Kathmandu, Sept. 11 -- As the months-long conflict within the ruling Nepal Communist Party seems to have been resolved and the postponed Standing Committee meeting set to start Friday, the party leadership, fearing widespread dissent, now seems intent on smothering opposing voices within the party.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the two chairs, having settled their differences, have now proposed a ban on criticising party policies, leaders and cadres through social media which party leaders and experts say could shrink democratic space within the ruling party.

"Responsible comrades and the all concerned are directed to strictly stop the tendency to write nonsense against the party's policies, leaders and cadres and...