Monday marked a dark and heartbreaking day for Nepal. Generation Z—young people aged 13 to 28—took to the streets in what became one of the most violent protests in the nation’s history. At least 19 innocent young lives, including two in Itahari, were lost on the streets of Kathmandu, while scores more remain in critical condition in hospitals across the country. The scale of police brutality witnessed on Monday against unarmed youths is the kind of violence usually associated with autocratic regimes. In today’s age of social media, even authoritarian leaders tend to exercise restraint in the face of public outrage. Nepal has never before witnessed such extreme violence. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for a complete overhaul of the policing system and comprehensive reform of the police organization. Failures in anticipation, inadequate training, inappropriate weaponry and politically influenced security leadership all contributed to this catastrophe. The excessive use of force against unarmed youths is not only unprofessional but a cruel act fueled by a culture of impunity. As security forces failed to follow basic protocols before opening fire, all responsible—including those who issued the shoot-to-kill orders—must be held accountable.
Former Election Commissioners requests the EC to act with restr...
The Gen Z protests are about far more than the government’s decision to block social media platforms. They reflect widespread public anger at entrenched corruption, misrule and government incompetence. The closure of Facebook, YouTube and 24 other platforms was merely the spark. In a single day, this generation shook the foundations of government. Their outrage stems from frustration over the lavish lifestyles of corrupt leaders’ families, stolen public wealth and repeated government failures. The loss of so many young lives on the very first day is a tragedy that cannot be ignored. While the Home Minister has resigned under public pressure and a probe committee has been formed, responsibility does not end there. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli must shoulder the primary responsibility, address the nation without delay, offer a sincere apology and commit to responding to protesters’ demands.
Those killed were not merely protesters—they were sons, daughters, friends and the very future of Nepal. Their lives were cut short due to political leadership failures—leaders who have neglected good governance, failed to inspire hope and driven the country deeper into poverty and despair. The movement was neither ideologically driven nor orchestrated by any political party; it arose from frustration with corruption, arrogance, and misgovernance. Mistakes were made on all sides. The aggressive police response escalated tensions—had security forces exercised restraint, much of the bloodshed could have been avoided. At the same time, protesters must accept responsibility. Breaching Parliament walls and setting fires only invited further destruction and loss of life. The Gen Z movement has yet to succeed or fail, but the human cost is already immense. Its organizers must learn from this tragedy. As protests continue, they must guide supporters with discipline and restraint. May this tragedy serve as a wake-up call for all of us—to demand accountability, oppose injustice, and fight for the future these young lives deserved.
