KALIKOT, Sept 9: The Gen Z protest is spreading like wildfire across the country, even as the government attempts to suppress demonstrations in Kathmandu and Sunsari.
In Manma, the district headquarters of Kalikot, Gen Z members took to the streets on Monday to denounce the government’s social media ban, rampant corruption, and the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children. Protesters carried placards and echoed against privilege and impunity.
Addressing the rally, activist Jiwan Shahi said corruption has created a vast economic gulf between leaders and ordinary citizens. He singled out lawmaker Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, questioning how he could afford to send his daughter to study in the United States.
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“Every leader enjoying a lavish lifestyle through corruption must have their property investigated,” he said, adding that while ordinary families struggle to send their children to basic schools, it is time for sons and daughters to remind their ‘fathers’ (leaders) of their responsibilities.
Another activist, Hikmat Jung Malla, accused the government of remaining a mere spectator despite pervasive corruption. He urged youths across the nation to raise their voices against corruption and malpractices.
The demonstrators marched from Pratima Chowk to Zero Point before returning to Pratima Chowk for a corner assembly.
Meanwhile, the death toll from police crackdowns has continued to rise. At least 19 persons have been killed and hundreds injured in Kathmandu alone. In Itahari, two more protesters were shot dead by security forces, bringing the nationwide toll to 20.
To contain the escalating movement, the government has imposed curfews in several parts of Kathmandu, while the district administration offices in Sunsari and Kaski have also enforced curfews.
The government’s heavy-handed response has drawn backlash, with growing calls for the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, while Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has already stepped down.
