At least 17 protesters were killed Monday when Nepal police dispersed young demonstrators in Kathmandu demanding the government lift its social media ban and tackle corruption.

Several social media sites -- including Facebook, YouTube and X -- have been inaccessible in Nepal since Friday after the government blocked 26 unregistered platforms, leaving users angry and confused.

Police used rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannon and batons when the demonstrators pushed through barbed wire and tried to storm into a restricted area near parliament.

"Seventeen people have died," Shekhar Khanal, spokesman for the Kathmandu valley police, told AFP.

Khanal said about 400 people were injured, including over 100 police.

Following the violence, home minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned at a cabinet meeting in the evening, local media reported.

"I had been there for a peaceful protest, but the government used force," said Iman Magar, 20, who was hit in his right arm.

"It was not a rubber bullet but a metallic one, and it took away a part of my hand. The........

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