Kathmandu: “We wish to see transformations in the country for what our children die for,” say the grieving parents of young individuals who lost their lives during the recent Gen-Z demonstrations. The families demand meaningful changes as they mourn their children, who were declared martyrs following the two-day protests.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Rita Chaulagain, mother of 21-year-old Abhishek Chaulagain, recalls her son’s final words before he joined the demonstrations. Abhishek, a resident of Duwakot Somthali, was a Bachelor’s student at Tri-Chandra College pursuing Hotel Management and had expressed his desire to stay in the country to fight against corruption. His father, Dinesh Chaulagain, a police officer, had warned him against attending the protests due to potential violence. Despite these warnings, Abhishek participated and was shot during the protest in front of the Federal Parliament Building, succumbing to his injuries on the evening of September 9.
The loss is profound for the Chaulagain family. Abhishek’s 15-year-old sister, Alisha, is overwhelmed by grief. The family does not seek compensation or recognition; their only hope is for Abhishek’s dream of a corruption-free nation to be realized.
In another tragic case, Keshab and Dil Kumari Budhathoki mourn their 22-year-old son, Mahesh Budhathoki. Originally from Bigu rural municipality-3 in Dolakha, Mahesh was the primary caregiver for his cancer-stricken mother. He had plans to work abroad in Malta but was killed during the protests. His family is now left without support or hope for the future.
The Neupane family also grieves the loss of their son, Roshan (Yogendra) Neupane, who was pursuing higher education after completing his SEE from Changunarayan Secondary School. The Neupanes, currently in Sindhuli for mourning rituals, are devastated by the loss of their young son.
These families, despite their deep sorrow, cling to the hope that the sacrifices made by their children will not be in vain. They yearn for the changes their children fought for, believing that only then will justice be served and their losses find meaning.