Kathmandu: The death toll from the Gen Z protests in Nepal rose to 72 on Sunday, according to police officials. Among the deceased were 59 protesters, three police officers, and 10 inmates attempting to escape.
Following her swearing-in as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki announced that those who lost their lives during the anti-corruption protests would be honored as “Martyrs.” She also confirmed that the families of the deceased would receive a compensation of one million Nepali rupees each.
Addressing the media, Karki said all victims of the September 8 protests would be recognized as martyrs. She added that the government would cover medical expenses for the injured and facilitate the transfer of bodies from Kathmandu to other districts.
The interim Prime Minister also emphasized that those involved in acts of vandalism would face investigation, while the government would work on reconstruction efforts. “Personal properties were also destroyed. We will ensure some form of compensation, possibly through soft loans or other measures,” she stated.
Karki stressed that her interim government is not seeking power for its own sake and intends to serve for no more than six months. Commenting on the protests, she described the movement as unprecedented in Nepal, noting that participants demanded economic equality and an end to corruption.
On Sunday, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki assumed office as Nepal’s first female Prime Minister. The 73-year-old was sworn in following widespread Gen Z protests fueled by frustration over political stagnation, corruption, economic inequality, and restrictions on social media platforms.
