Kathmandu: Ahead of a planned meeting between Nepal’s Gen-Z protesters and President Ram Chandra Poudel, one of the demonstrators said that while the recent violence may subside, their demand for new rules and regulations to combat corruption must be addressed.
“The Prime Minister of our country, KP Sharma Oli, ran away. We need a good leader. We’ll see what comes out of today’s discussion at Rashtrapati Bhavan,” said Subhash, one of the protesters.
Calling for better leadership from both political parties and the administration, he added that he hopes young people in Nepal will have more opportunities to shape their future.
“The violent protests of the past two days might not continue, but we insist on new rules and regulations in the country. The youth should be able to act freely in their own nation. That’s why the Gen-Z protests began. Now that KP Oli and other corrupt leaders have fled, it’s time for a new leader,” Subhash said.
Two days after protests turned violent, President Ram Chandra Poudel is expected to meet the demonstrators today to seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue. The meeting was called late Tuesday following the President’s acceptance of the Prime Minister’s resignation.
Adding to public frustration is Nepal’s ongoing jobs crisis, with nearly 5,000 young people leaving the country daily to work abroad.
According to The Himalayan Times, the President urged all sides to resolve the crisis without further bloodshed. “I urge everyone to remain calm, prevent further harm to the nation, and engage in talks. In a democracy, citizens’ demands can be addressed through dialogue and negotiation,” the statement said.
The protests began on September 8 in Kathmandu and other major cities, including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, after the government banned major social media platforms, citing tax revenue and cybersecurity concerns.
Demonstrators are demanding an end to institutionalized corruption and favoritism, greater government accountability, and the lifting of the social media ban, which they view as an attempt to suppress free speech.
Tensions escalated rapidly, resulting in at least 19 deaths and 500 injuries in clashes with security forces. Curfews have been imposed in several cities, including Kathmandu, to restore order.
