Passing the Torch

The September 8–9 Gen Z protests have left an indelible mark on Nepal’s political landscape. Sparked by deep frustration over corruption, political inertia and decades of musical chairs of the same inefficient political leadership, tens of thousands of young people in Kathmandu Valley and other parts of the country poured onto the streets in one of the largest citizen-led movements in recent history. Their demands were straightforward yet profound: accountability from those in power, an end to impunity and a new political culture that reflects the aspirations of a generation that has known little but instability and broken promises. The protests were unprecedented not only in scale but also in their character. Young demonstrators, many of them first-time protesters, mobilized largely through social media and grassroots networks. They represented a digitally connected generation, better informed and globally aware, not afraid to challenge those in power to demand accountability. But the state’s response was heavy-handed. On the very first day, at least 19 youths were killed in police fire. Over two days, 74 lives were lost. The crackdown further inflamed public outrage, ultimately forcing the dissolution of the House of Representatives (HoR) and the formation of an interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki.