Nepal marks first anniversary of Gen Z movement that toppled Oli government

Nepal on Tuesday marked the first anniversary of the Gen Z movement against corruption, with ministers, lawmakers, civil society activists and citizens gathering at the old Parliament building here to pay tribute to those killed during the protests that brought down the government led by then prime minister K P Sharma Oli.

The government declared a public holiday on Tuesday as Gen Z Martyrs' Day, with special programmes held across the country to honour those who lost their lives during the movement on September 8 and 9 last year.

What began as digital dissent against the government quickly grew into a nationwide agitation, with young protesters raising concerns over corruption, nepotism, unemployment, inequality and lack of accountability.

On September 8 last year, 22 youths were killed by security forces near the Parliament building during anti-government protests. Violence escalated on the second day, September 9, when another 54 people were killed.

Angered by the deaths, Gen Z protesters set fire to and vandalised several key government buildings, including Parliament, the Prime Minister's Office and residence, the Supreme Court, administrative offices and police posts across Nepal.

The Gen Z Martyr Welfare Society organised a memorial ceremony at the old Parliament building on Tuesday. Home Minister Sudhan Gurung, Science Minister Mahabir Pun, Tourism Minister Khadka Raj Paudel, lawmakers, youths, victims' family members, human rights activists and civil society representatives attended the event.

Gurung led the gathering in lighting candles and observing a moment of silence for those killed during the protests. Photographs of the victims were also garlanded.

The September movement led to the dissolution of the Oli government and the formation of an interim administration headed by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki. The interim government subsequently conducted the March 5 election.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which secured nearly two-thirds of the votes, formed the government under the leadership of young leader and former rapper Balendra Shah.

Marking one year of the movement, Karki called on the political leadership to ensure that such a situation does not recur.

“Let's fulfil our duty honestly, being responsible and cautious so that such a situation will not arise again where people should go to the streets for good governance and change,” she said.

Recalling the deaths and injuries suffered during the agitation, Karki said young people had taken to the streets and digital networks demanding good governance, accountability, transparency and a better future.

She said the events of September last year represented a painful chapter in Nepal's history, with many young people suffering injuries that could leave them with lifelong disabilities.

“During that time, there was a lot of damage to private and public property. Many national assets and heritage were lost. This wound in the life of the nation will hardly ever heal. Such a day should never recur,” she said.

Karki said the movement had sent a clear message to the state and political leadership that even a two-thirds parliamentary majority could not ensure stability without good governance.

“Political stability doesn't solely rely on the number of seats secured in Parliament, but the character and working style of the ruler,” she said.

She expected the incumbent government to work effectively towards ensuring good governance, controlling corruption, upholding the rule of law and protecting the dignity of citizens.

However, Gen Z activist Tanuja Paudel said the movement's core demands remained largely unaddressed a year later.

“One year has passed since the agitation launched by youths demanding transparency and accountability. However, none of the demands raised by the Gen Z movement was completely addressed,” she said in a social media post.

“Although the power equation changed following the Gen Z movement, most of the questions raised by Gen Z protests remained unanswered,” she said.

Ganesh Chaulagai, father of victim Shreeyam, said the anniversary should serve as both a memorial and a warning to future governments.

“The day should be observed as a day of remembrance and a reminder to every future government that corruption and disregard for good governance must never be tolerated,” he said.

He said the elected government, which came to power with the trust of citizens, particularly young people, had no room for excuses.

“This government has no room left for excuse or justification. It is an elected government that came to power with the trust of the citizens, especially the young people. Therefore, the government with a two-thirds majority can no longer say that it couldn’t accomplish this or that,” he said.