Nepal: Infiltration of vested groups destroyed public and private properties, says GenZ leader
Nepal’s GenZ Protests: From Peaceful Start to Deadly Chaos and Government Fall
In the heart of Kathmandu, a bold GenZ movement against corruption and social media bans has shaken Nepal’s politics. Led by young leaders like KP Khanal, the protests started peacefully but turned violent, claiming nearly two dozen lives in just two days. Khanal, a key GenZ figure, blames "vested interest groups" for hijacking the movement and sparking the deadly clashes.
The protests kicked off on Monday, demanding an end to corruption and lifting bans on social media apps. Things escalated quickly when police fired on demonstrators, killing 19 people. Enraged crowds hit back, vandalizing key spots like Singh Durbar—the government’s main administrative hub—the president’s office, the Supreme Court building, and even Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s home. They also targeted headquarters of major political parties, setting fires that filled Kathmandu’s skies with smoke. Private businesses and corporate offices didn’t escape the flames either, leaving many locals scared and the city in turmoil.
Khanal and his volunteer team insist they wanted a peaceful protest. "We organized it to stay calm, but the crowd grew huge, and some people started attacking the parliamentary building," Khanal explained. This triggered heavy police action, leading to the tragic deaths. He strongly condemns the vandalism and torching of public and private properties on Tuesday. "We never supported those attacks. It looks like some groups with hidden agendas used the GenZ movement as cover," he added.
Despite the violence, the protests achieved a big win: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s unpopular government collapsed. Oli resigned on Tuesday, marking a turning point in Nepal’s political crisis. Now, everyone wonders what’s next for the country’s leadership.
Enter Balen Shah, the popular mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. This former rapper turned independent politician won a massive victory in 2022 to lead Nepal’s biggest city. Shah has become a rising star in the GenZ protests. Before the movement began, he backed the young protesters’ plans, even though he skipped joining due to his age (GenZ typically means those born between 1997 and 2012). On Tuesday, after Oli’s resignation, Shah posted on Facebook, urging the youth: "Now your generation needs to lead the nation. Be ready for this. Be ready to hold talks with the army chief. But remember, dissolve the parliament before any such talks."
Shah’s bold words have fueled rumors—he could even become Nepal’s next Prime Minister. His call to dissolve parliament hints at exploring non-constitutional paths to resolve the crisis. Khanal agrees this could open doors to a fresh political solution. "If the parliament is dissolved, we might find a real way forward," he said.
The Nepal Army Chief has stepped in, calling for calm and dialogue with the protesters to stop more destruction. But Khanal isn’t sure if his group will get a seat at the table. "There are many volunteer teams involved, and I don’t know who will represent GenZ," he noted. His team didn’t ask Shah to lead negotiations, but they value his support. "Getting his backing for the movement was crucial," Khanal shared.
As Nepal grapples with this GenZ-led upheaval, the focus shifts to rebuilding trust and charting a stable future. Will young leaders like Khanal and figures like Shah guide the nation through the chaos? Stay tuned as the story unfolds in Kathmandu’s streets.
