Kathmandu: Nepal’s Gen Z protesters have achieved a historic feat by toppling the government in less than two days. This unprecedented victory, however, has come at a significant cost, with last week’s protests marking the deadliest unrest the Himalayan nation has seen in decades.
According to BBC, the protests resulted in the deaths of 72 people, with official buildings, residences of political leaders, and luxury hotels such as the Hilton, which opened in July 2024, being set ablaze and vandalized. In a particularly disturbing incident, the wife of a former prime minister is now fighting for her life after their home was torched. The protests were sparked by widespread anger against political corruption and the misuse of national resources, largely driven by the frustration of young Nepalis over economic disparities.
Tanuja Pandey, a 24-year-old environmental campaigner and one of the protest organizers, expressed mixed emotions about the outcome. “We are proud, but there is also a mixed baggage of trauma, regret, and anger,” she said. Two days before the protests erupted on 8 September, Pandey had uploaded a video highlighting a mining site in Chure, urging her peers to rally against the perceived corruption and exploitation of Nepal’s resources by politicians.
The Gen Z movement, characterized by its leaderless structure, has been fueled by a growing resentment towards “nepo babies,” children of powerful politicians who flaunt their wealth on social media. This sentiment was amplified by viral content, such as an image of Saugat Thapa, the son of a provincial minister, standing beside a Christmas tree made of luxury brand boxes. Despite Thapa’s claim of misinterpretation, the image symbolized the stark inequalities in Nepal.
Nepal’s political landscape, defined by frequent changes in leadership and economic challenges, has left many citizens disillusioned. With 14 governments in 17 years, the promise of stability and prosperity remains unfulfilled. The country’s GDP per capita lags behind, and a significant portion of its population works abroad, sending remittances back home.
Pandey, who comes from a middle-class family and is battling a brain tumor, reflects the struggles of many young Nepalis. Her sister’s move to Australia to support their family underscores the economic pressures faced by many in the country. Before the protests, Pandey and her peers emphasized non-violence, but as the crowds swelled on 8 September, the situation escalated, culminating in a violent confrontation with police forces.
The aftermath of the protests has left Nepal grappling with uncertainty. While former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been appointed interim prime minister, the involvement of figures like Durga Prasai in negotiations has raised concerns. The Gen Z protesters’ decision to walk out of talks over Prasai’s involvement highlights ongoing tensions.
Families of those killed in the protests, like Yubaraj Neupane, who lost his son Yogendra, are left mourning their loved ones. The tragedy of Yogendra’s death, shot near the parliament building, underscores the high stakes of the protests.
Despite the turmoil, Pandey remains cautiously optimistic, viewing the events as a political awakening for her generation. “We are no longer willing to stay silent or accept injustice,” she asserts. This sentiment reflects a broader challenge to the entrenched political system, as young Nepalis demand accountability and change from their leaders.