KATHMANDU, Oct 9: The recent 48-hour Gen-Z movement in Nepal, which erupted on September 8 and 9, 2025, sparked significant upheaval, resulting in 75 fatalities and over 2,000 injuries.
The protests were primarily aimed at combating corruption, mismanagement, and social media regulations.
The economic impacts are substantial, with estimated losses of approximately US $571 million to private property and a further evaluation underway for damages to public property, including crucial government buildings.
In response to the unrest, a new interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was formed on September 12, tasked with organizing free and fair elections within six months.\
This government has initiated a commission to investigate human rights violations during the protests and the extent of the destruction caused.
However, the Home Minister’s declaration to disregard complaints of arson or theft raises concerns regarding the undermining of standard judicial processes and the historical context of unimplemented recommendations from previous human rights commissions.
The interim government faces critical challenges, including conducting general elections and approving an ordinance to allow voter registrations, especially for the enthusiastic youth demographic that partook in the protests.
Although the Prime Minister committed to holding elections, youth groups are fragmented, with varying opinions on engagement with the political system.\
Some advocate for leadership changes within existing parties, while others seek constitutional reforms for a directly elected Prime Minister.
A new youth coalition has formed to facilitate negotiations, yet further divisions threaten to destabilize the situation further, with calls for a separate political party emerging amid concerns for ongoing violence.
The government has also imposed travel restrictions on notable political figures, leading to fears of retaliatory political tensions.
Security concerns remain pronounced, with a widespread sense of insecurity following the protests where police units were attacked, and many prisoners escaped, with only half returning.
The police’s proactive measures were contrasted with a delayed response from the armed forces, highlighting disorganized security efforts.
Restoring public trust will require the interim government to uphold legal processes to combat impunity and corruption, alongside fostering international support to stabilize the precarious political climate in Nepal. (PTI)
