Paying Tribute To Gen Z Martyrs

September 8, 2025, will forever be remembered as one of the darkest days in the history of Nepal when the nation lost around 20 innocent lives, mostly young people, during the Gen Z protest. The death toll has now risen to at least 74, with hundreds of protesters injured. The protest, which initially took place in response to the social media ban by the government, gained rapid momentum to incorporate other major issues, including corruption and nepotism. Not realising the gravity of public sentiments, ruling parties tried to suppress them by directing security forces to resort to violent tactics, including throwing tear gas and firing directly at protestors. The heinous act of firing a bullet at unarmed protestors, some of whom were in school uniform, is a grave human rights violation. 

The country, which is revered across the world as a land of Lord Buddha, soon turned into a battleground where the innocent, unarmed civilians were shot ruthlessly. The haunting images of citizens, mostly the nation’s youth, mercilessly shot down by security forces and left drenched in blood, will remain an unhealed scar on the nation’s conscience for years to come. This stands in stark contrast to the principles of democracy, which uphold freedom of expression and the protection of human rights. It’s not just 74 lives lost, but 74 families shattered, the lives that will never be the same again. In this regard, the age-old saying “in the war of ideas, it is always ordinary citizens who are killed” echoes now more than ever.

Brutality 

In the aftermath, the nation plunged into chaos, with destruction unfolding on an unimaginable scale. Enraged by the suppression of movement and brutal killing of fellow citizens, protestors stormed into political leaders' homes and set their houses on fire, with some even being brutally attacked.  Police stations across the country were set ablaze and security forces also came under the fire of public rage, the bitter price for the cowardly act of their comrades for turning their guns on unarmed civilians. Given the scale of loss of life and brutality of killings, public anguish was inevitable; however, the destruction of national treasures cannot be justified under any circumstances. 

The burning of Singha Durbar is one of the greatest losses of Nepal’s historical heritage in modern times. Singha Durbar is not just the building, but a living piece of history, making this loss deeply personal for every true Nepali. Alongside this, the Supreme Court and several government buildings were among those set on fire. The Bhatbhateni store was also targeted, with more than 12 stores across the country looted and set on fire and burned to ashes. The country’s architectural marvel, the Hilton Hotel, too, was not spared, with it being reduced to rubble. The magnitude of loss is unimaginable, with billions wiped out, thousands rendered jobless.

The destruction is a stark reminder of political failure, showcasing how the nation can plunge into darkness if the major issues, including corruption, are left unchecked. This devastating loss has undoubtedly set the nation back by a decade, erasing years of progress.  Now the nation finds itself at a critical juncture. Navigating through chaos, uncertainty and destruction is an uphill struggle. In these testing times, the entire nation has pinned its hope on the newly appointed Prime Minister, Sushila Karki. With her impressive track record as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, unswayed by power and influence, the nation has entrusted her with the biggest responsibility of restoring and guiding the nation towards fair elections in the coming March. 

Transformation 

The appointment of a new Prime Minister, along with her cabinet featuring Kulman Ghising, Om Prasad Aryal, and Rameshwor Khanal, all with distinguished track records, is expected to herald a transformation in Nepal’s politics. Upon deeper reflection, the current fate of Nepal’s major political parties and their top leaders was long overdue. For decades, the nation had been chained in corruption, nepotism. Politics in Nepal for long had been dominated by the same big three figures, turning the public into mute spectators while they rotated the chair of power.

Nepal has definitely transitioned into a new era of hope and possibilities. The upcoming election holds immense power to steer the country towards the path of prosperity and it is the responsibility of every Nepali citizen to ensure that the nation is led by true public servants. Honouring our brave martyrs goes beyond offering ritualistic ceremonies and cash relief; it demands bringing perpetrators to justice and stringent punishments for those responsible. The truest tribute to our martyrs and their families is a Nepal where everyone, regardless of their background, can thrive. It’s up to every Nepali citizen to turn the sacrifices for democracy, freedom and justice into reality. 

 (The author is the director & chief instructor at Suva Consultancy & Training Institute, Kathmandu)