Gen Z martyr Kuthumi's family urges govt to honour his dream

BY KABIRAJ GHIMIRE,Hile, Nov. 9: Just a few days before the Gen Z movement began, Chhatraman Kuthumi, who was in Kathmandu at the time, sent a message to his elder brother, Khandman Kuthumi, living in Chungmang, Pakhribas Municipality-10, Dhankuta.

“A major movement is about to begin in the country. This movement will bring about a real change. The irregularities and corruption that have plagued the nation will finally come to an end. Things will be as we have dreamed,” Chhatraman wrote in his message.

His brother Khandman replied, “It’s not enough to just talk about movements. Nothing will change if only one or two people stand up. Mother keeps asking you to come home for a while.” Chhatraman responded, “I’ll come after this movement.”

About a week after their conversation, on September 8 and 9, protests erupted across the country. On September 8, 19 people were killed during demonstrations in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. When the victims could not be immediately identified, authorities circulated photos on social media asking families to come forward. Based on those posts, relatives were able to confirm the identity the next day, it was 64-year-old Chhatraman Kuthumi, also known as ‘Sat Paruhang,’ from Dangsing, Pakhribas-10.

His body was brought home on September 16 by a Nepali Army helicopter, and final rites were performed in his village. “My brother said he would return after the movement, but he came back in a coffin, never to return,” said Khandman Kuthumi. “He took part in many movements hoping for change, but this one was his last.” The government declared Chhatraman a martyr on November 4. 

Born to father Bel Bahadur Kuthumi and mother Krishna Kumari Kuthumi, Chhatraman had been living in Balambu, Chandragiri Municipality-12, Kathmandu, for about 25 years with his youngest wife, Deepa Shrestha. He earned a living through daily wage labour and traditional Dhami-Jhakri healing. As his other wives, children, and relatives lived in the village, he frequently travelled back and forth.

He is survived by three wives, three sons, and three daughters. His eldest wife, Rajkumari, said, “He rarely came home, so we had no idea where he was or what had happened. When we learned about it, it felt like the ground had collapsed beneath us.”

His 90-year-old mother still lives in the village with the families of her other sons. “Even though I lost my son in old age, I hope no other mother suffers this pain,” she said. “I wish the change my son died for would come."

His brother Ishwar Kuthumi said, “Our brother became a martyr, but we hope his family does not fall into hardship. The country must not stray from the dreams he died for,” he added.

Most families in the village, including the Kuthumis, make their living through agriculture. Chhatraman’s eldest wife and her family live in the village, while his eldest son works abroad. His youngest wife, Deepa, who had been living in Kathmandu with their 11-year-old daughter, has now returned home. “My husband died for the country. I only hope our daughter and the rest of the family will not face hardship,” she said.

According to Hari Khatri, Ward Chairman of Pakhribas Municipality-10, the municipality had pledged to cover all educational expenses for Chhatraman’s daughter.