Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: IN the aftermath of Nepal’s most intense youth-led uprising, the government has announced a relief package for the families of those who lost their lives during the Gen Z movement.
The decision was finalised in a Cabinet meeting held on September 15, with Home and Law Minister Om Prakash Aryal confirming that each family that lost a member will receive Rs 1.5 million in total compensation. This includes Rs 1 million as direct financial support and Rs 500,000 to cover funeral and logistical expenses. The Gen Z protests, which erupted on September 8 and 9 following a controversial government ban on 26 social media platforms, quickly escalated into nationwide unrest.
What began as peaceful demonstrations against censorship and corruption turned violent, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. The protests claimed 72 lives, including 59 protesters, 10 prisoners, and three police officers, while more than 1,300 people were injured. As of now, 283 individuals remain hospitalised. The state will also assist with cremation ceremonies. The Gen Z movement has been widely recognised as a turning point in Nepal’s political landscape.
Fuelled by frustration over corruption, nepotism, and lack of economic opportunity, the protests were largely organised by young Nepalis under 30, many of whom coordinated through platforms like Instagram and Discord. The movement’s decentralised leadership and rejection of traditional party affiliations marked a significant departure from previous uprisings.
