KATHMANDU, Sep 8: Nepal on Tuesday observed the first anniversary of the Gen Z movement, with ministers, lawmakers, civil society representatives, activists and citizens gathering in Kathmandu to honour those who lost their lives during last year’s protests against corruption and poor governance.
The government declared a public holiday to mark Gen Z Martyrs’ Day, while memorial programmes were organised across the country to remember the victims of the violent demonstrations that took place on September 8 and 9, 2025.
The agitation, which initially emerged through digital platforms, soon developed into a nationwide campaign. Young protesters voiced concerns over corruption, nepotism, unemployment, inequality and a lack of transparency and accountability in governance.
On September 8, 22 young people were killed by security forces near the Parliament building during anti-government demonstrations. The unrest intensified the following day, with another 54 people reported killed.
The deaths triggered widespread anger, leading protesters to attack and set fire to several key government institutions and public facilities. Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office and residence, the Supreme Court, administrative buildings and police posts were among the sites damaged during the violence.
At a memorial ceremony held at the old Parliament building on Tuesday, the Gen Z Martyr Welfare Society brought together Home Minister Sudhan Gurung, Science Minister Mahabir Pun, Tourism Minister Khadka Raj Paudel, lawmakers, young activists, relatives of victims, human rights campaigners and civil society representatives.
Gurung led the participants in lighting candles and observing a minute of silence in memory of those who died. Photographs of the victims were also garlanded during the ceremony.
The youth-led uprising resulted in the dissolution of the government headed by then-Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and paved the way for an interim administration led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki. The interim government later conducted the March 5 election.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party emerged as the dominant force in that election, securing nearly two-thirds of the votes, and subsequently formed a government under the leadership of young politician and former rapper Balendra Shah.
Marking the first anniversary, Karki called on political leaders and citizens to ensure that the circumstances that pushed young people onto the streets do not recur.
She recalled the loss of young lives during the protests, saying they had taken to the streets and digital platforms seeking good governance, transparency, accountability and a better future.
Karki said the events had left a deep scar on Nepal’s history, with several young people suffering injuries that could result in lifelong disabilities.
She also highlighted the extensive destruction of public and private property during the unrest, noting that several national assets and heritage structures were damaged or destroyed.
Describing the anniversary as a reminder to the state and political leadership, Karki said the events demonstrated that parliamentary strength alone cannot guarantee political stability without good governance.
“Political stability doesn’t solely rely on the number of seats secured in Parliament, but the character and working style of the ruler,” she said, urging the incumbent administration to strengthen governance, tackle corruption, uphold the rule of law and protect citizens’ dignity.
However, Gen Z activists said several concerns that fuelled the protests remain unresolved a year later.
Activist Tanuja Paudel said the movement had succeeded in changing the political power equation, but many of the issues raised by young protesters had yet to receive satisfactory solutions.
She said the anniversary should serve not only as a day of remembrance but also as a reminder to future governments that corruption and failures in governance cannot be ignored.
Ganesh Chaulagai, whose son Shreeyam was among the victims, said the day should be remembered as a warning against repeating the mistakes that led to the loss of young lives.
He argued that the present elected government, having received a strong mandate from voters, particularly the younger generation, has a responsibility to deliver on its promises and address the concerns that triggered the movement.
The first anniversary has therefore become both a memorial occasion and a renewed call for accountability, transparency and meaningful governance in Nepal.