As Nepal reels from the aftermath of Monday’s Gen-Z protests, voices from diverse sectors, including writers, doctors, artists, and former bureaucrats, have issued a stern warning to the government and political parties: do not underestimate the frustrations of today’s youth.
According to a Kathmandu Post report, the tragic events of Monday, which saw at least 17 protestors killed and many others injured when police opened fire on demonstrators, are being viewed by many as the eruption of a pent-up rage. Experts say the incident underscores a deep-rooted disillusionment among young people with widespread corruption, poor governance, and the abuse of power by successive governments.
Dr Arun Sayami, former dean of the Institute of Medicine, pointed out that political leaders appear to believe they can do anything simply because they hold a majority in Parliament. “Today’s youth are not their slaves,” he remarked. “Stop acting like King Gyanendra, who was ousted in 2008, and remove restrictions on social media immediately.”
Public health expert Dr Aruna Upreti expressed similar concerns, drawing parallels between Monday’s violence and the last days of King Gyanendra’s rule. She criticized the government for using excessive force against the youth, saying it mirrored the repression seen during the Panchayat regime in the 1980s.
Writer Khagendra Sangraula took it further, accusing both the ruling parties and opposition factions like the CPN (Maoist Centre) and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) of stoking the anger of frustrated youths. “Not only did figures like Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Balendra Shah fuel the anger, but royalists also used the moment to intensify the situation,” he claimed.
Sangraula also said that the government’s move to ban social media platforms, including Facebook, went against the spirit of a recent Supreme Court ruling, which merely called for better regulation, not suppression. “The more they suppress, the louder the dissent will become,” he warned.
Bijaya Lama, an instructor pilot, cautioned that today’s youth are more educated and informed than ever, and their potential cannot be ignored. “The government should avoid using force against them and instead focus on peaceful resolutions,” he urged.
Former Secretary Kishor Thapa added that the frustration with the government is not limited to youth alone; it is now widespread across all demographics. “Frustration is boiling among both the elderly and professionals. It would be wise for the government and political parties to address the just demands of the public before the situation escalates further,” he said.
