Justice To Gen Z Martyrs

With the expansion of the Cabinet, the interim government under Prime Minister Sushila Karki, has got down to the nitty-gritty. A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Monday decided to form a judicial commission to investigate the violent incidents in which scores of Gen Z protesters were killed and injured across the country last week. The death toll has reached 73, with many wounded getting treatment in different hospitals. According to the newly appointed Minister for Home Affairs Om Prakash Aryal, the government is now holding consultations with the people from the judicial sector to give shape to the commission. Former judges from the Supreme Court are expected to lead it, which will look into the excessive use of force in the peaceful rallies of young people, who had demanded that the government lift the ban on social networking sites and bring the corrupt politicians to book. 

The brutal killing of dozens of youths has sunk the nation into inexpressible grief. The families of the deceased want justice and action against the culprits responsible for the huge loss of lives and property. The probe panel will also investigate the involvement of saboteurs in the Gen Z movement that spiraled into a trail of arson, vandalism and looting in the country. The Gen Zeers had said they had no role in torching the private houses and government buildings. As the victims and common people have commended the government's decision to constitute the probe commission, it must prove its mettle for this will be the first vital step in winning the confidence of the masses at the time of an unprecedented crisis.    

In yet another decision, the four-member Cabinet declared September 17 a National Day of Mourning, putting the national flag at half-mast, and paying tribute to the youths who died during the Gen Z protest. This is indeed the appropriate move in the direction of honouring the deceased who have been declared martyrs and the families provided monetary compensation. The families of those killed in the protests will be provided with Rs. 1.5 million each, Rs. 1 million in compensation and Rs. 500,000 in funeral support and other expenses for family members of the victims, according to the news report of this daily. The decision to build a Gen Z Awareness Memorial Park is truly symbolic in respecting the young souls who made sacrifices for the cause of the nation. 

The country suffered a lot in the form of the loss of lives and properties in the Gen Z revolt but this is the moment of national awakening. It is a big warning to those who abused power for their personal interest but did little in the service of the people. Echoing this line of thought, Minister Aryal said that the uprising has opened avenues to historic opportunities. It is time to make a fresh start to create a corruption-free society, which will, in turn, enable us to achieve inclusive prosperity. The newly inducted ministers should make a collective resolve to realise the dream of the youth. At the same time, the Gen Zeers must stand united to translate their agenda into action. The unnecessary discord among its members will weaken their position and give room to those who have misruled the nations for decades. The government should embrace the spirit and message of the Gen Z movement and must not drag its feet in making history.