Kathmandu: Former office-bearers of the Federation of Nepali Journalists and civil society representatives have raised their voices against the government’s harsh crackdown on Gen Z protests occurring across various parts of the country, including New Baneswor in Kathmandu.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the protests, which resulted in the tragic death of 19 youths, were met with severe condemnation from these groups. The protesters, primarily young students, were demanding an end to corruption, poor governance, and the chaos that has plagued the country in recent years. They were also calling for the lifting of a social media ban imposed by the government. Civil society representatives labeled the government’s response as a brutal and barbaric shooting incident, notably occurring near the Federal Parliament building.
The appeal, issued by the civil society representatives, extended heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the demonstrations. They also expressed their sorrow to parents and relatives mourning the loss of their children. The representatives further urged for immediate action to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. They demanded the establishment of a high-level judicial inquiry commission to investigate the incident thoroughly, with a focus on addressing corruption and ensuring good governance.
The appeal highlighted the necessity for arrangements to guarantee truth, justice, and reparation for the families of the deceased. It also called for free healthcare for the injured and urged young people to maintain restraint and raise their voices peacefully, avoiding any infiltration during protests.
The representatives demanded the suspension of security chiefs and chief district officials involved in the incident, from the central to the district level, on Monday. They also called for the dismissal of the secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology responsible for implementing unconstitutional orders, along with officials from the telecommunications authority and other concerned bodies. Furthermore, they emphasized the need for a fair investigation into the incident.
Additionally, they stressed the importance of treating injured journalists and ensuring a safe and uninterrupted environment for news collection and dissemination.
The appeal was signed by notable figures, including former FNJ chairpersons Taranath Dahal and Govinda Acharya, former vice-chairpersons Ramesh Bista and Khil Bahadur Bhandari, Reporters’ Club Nepal chairperson Rishi Dhamala, and senior journalist Rajan Kuinkel.