74 Gen-Z movement injured still languish in hospitals

By Raman Paudel,Kathmandu, Sept. 25: On September 8, 2025, around 12 noon, Netra Bahadur Thapa was one of the frontliners of the Gen-Z protests in Baneshwor. 

A crowd of protesters headed towards the Parliament Building, chanting slogans. The police force was approaching from Tinkune to Baneshwor.

When the protesters aggressively tried to enter the Parliament building, the police force shot tear gas shells and rubber bullets.

At that moment, Netra Bahadur was hit by nine rubber bullets in his neck, chest, and other parts of the body. He was later rushed to the hospital in an ambulance and is currently being treated for wounds from the nine bullets at Bir Hospital.

According to a doctor involved in his treatment, there is still one bullet lodged in his shoulder that needs to be removed. There are also gaping wounds on his chest, where many stitches have been applied. The doctor said that removing the remaining bullet carries risks, including potential loss of voice or disability of other body parts, as the bullet is stuck in a vein. Despite his serious condition, Netra Bahadur tries to speak—his neck pressed, his voice strained, and sweat covering his face. 

"I faced this condition because I took to the streets to raise my voice against corruption and to demand the reform of the state. But I still have the power of change," he told media persons from his hospital bed.

At least 74 individuals wounded during the Gen-Z movement are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals. According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Health and Population, 29 injured are being treated at the Trauma Centre, 17 at TU Teaching Hospital, 14 at Kathmandu Medical College, and 12 at Nepal Police Hospital. Additionally, eight are receiving treatment at Chitwan Medical Hospital, seven at Gandaki Medical College, and six at Nobel Medical College.

Nationwide, at least 2,316 people were injured during the Gen-Z movement and received treatment in hospitals. Of them, 2,001 have been discharged and returned home after treatment, according to the Health Ministry. Some of the discharged individuals are still undergoing regular follow-up with doctors.

However, 48 individuals died while receiving treatment, bringing the total death toll to 74. 

Many are helpless and facing insults 

Keeran BK, a leader of the Lumbini Gen-Z movement, said that people who were wounded outside the Kathmandu Valley are helpless and, in some cases, being insulted for participating in the protests. Many of the injured are still unable to return home due to fear of being labeled criminals by society, he added.

“We’ve said that we have changed. But those wounded outside the Kathmandu Valley still feel unsafe. No government officials visit the injured in those areas. Although they received first aid, no one can say how deeply they were affected. Those injured outside Kathmandu are being neglected,” said Keeran.

According to Rakshya Bam, a Gen-Z movement leader, the primary priority should be to save the wounded. She said the government should provide not just financial support but also other forms of assistance to the injured.

The newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki-led government has announced that the families of the deceased would receive Rs. 1.5 million rupees each, and the wounded would receive free medical treatment.

Meanwhile, Aashika Tamang, a social activist and also a popular vlogger, posted a photo of an injured person in severe condition on her Facebook page on Wednesday. 

In her post, she raised concerns that the government should provide immediate relief to the injured.

“Although a decision was made to support only the families of Gen-Z martyrs, it feels like there has been no proper decision regarding the injured. After coming to power, your first decision was to provide free treatment to the injured. However, they need more than just financial help. They face challenges such as covering dressing and medicine costs on their own. Also, since the injured cannot work for at least three months, how can their families manage regular expenses?” Tamang asked, addressing the new Prime Minister.

Saraswati Rawal, a family member of one of the injured, urged the government to respect the spirit of the Gen-Z movement. At a press meet, she appealed to the government to protect the achievements of the movement.