Social media ban or VIP culture, what's behind the chaos in Nepal?

Nepal is on the brink of full-blown anarchy after 2 days of intense and violent protests. The South Asian country's rapid descent into chaos has already claimed the lives of at least 19 protesters and the death toll is expected to rise.

Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, the wife Nepal's former PM, was also killed in the violence.

Nepal's official government buildings, including the parliament, residences of politicians and supermarkets were set ablaze by thousands who took to the streets of Kathmandu.

The resignation of 73-year-old Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli failed to quell the anger of protesters. He is now missing. President Ram Chandra Poudel is said to be at an undisclosed location under the protection of the Army.

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Nepal rolled out a social media ban last week. At least 26 popular apps used by millions went offline overnight. Social media sites -- including Facebook, YouTube and X -- were blocked on Friday, after the government cut access to the unregistered platforms. TikTok was left untouched. The ban was reversed this week after the violent uproar.

But many said that the social media ban was only the spark for protests.

Videos contrasting the struggles of ordinary Nepalis with the children of politicians flaunting luxury goods and expensive vacations have gone viral on TikTok.

Among the young, there was widespread dissatisfaction with leaders who have held power for decades.

Nepal became a federal republic in 2008 after a decade-long civil war and a peace deal that saw the Maoists brought into government and the abolishment of the monarchy.

Since then, a revolving door of ageing prime ministers and a culture of horse-trading have fuelled public perception that the government is out of touch.

Reports say Nepal's youth used social media to highlight this stark difference, but the digital ban took away platforms that they used to vent and seek solidarity.

Nepal's military issued orders via loudspeakers on the streets, as tanks rumbled past the carcasses of burnt vehicles and tyres.

The army warned Wednesday that "vandalism, looting, arson, or attacks on individuals and property in the name of protest will be treated as punishable crimes".

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged "restraint to avoid a further escalation of violence", his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of neighbouring India said that the "stability, peace and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance to us".