The True Cost of the Gen Z Movement

The Gen Z movement that took place on September 8 and 9 and the looting, vandalism and arson carried out under its cover, have had a serious impact on the country’s political–administrative structure, law and order and social stability. The frustration of the younger generation over corruption, inequality and the state’s lack of accountability towards the people is natural. However, there is growing public attention to the destruction and violence adopted in the name of addressing legitimate demands. This has caused massive economic, social and human losses to the country. According to the committee formed to assess the damage caused by the movement and to prepare a plan for the reconstruction of public infrastructure, physical damage worth more than Rs 84.45 billion was incurred, over 2,400 people were injured, 77 people lost their lives and thousands of vehicles and buildings were torched—figures that clearly show how dangerously the movement spiraled out of control. In a democratic society, peaceful protest is a natural right of citizens. The more violent a movement becomes, the more its moral foundation erodes. The Gen Z movement initially began as a positive campaign with broad public support. However, once arson of public property, vandalism of infrastructure, attacks on vehicles and anarchic activities emerged, the core objective of the movement weakened. Violence always benefits two sides: anarchic elements get an opportunity and the state gets an excuse to use force and impose harsh controls. As a result, destruction and legal disputes become bigger agendas than the movement’s original goals.