Government Honors Fallen Gen-Z Movement Protesters; Tensions Rise as Political Struggles and Leadership Vacuums Persist

KalimNews, Kathmandu, September 16, 2025 : In a solemn ceremony on Tuesday, the government laid to rest those who lost their lives during the Gen-Z movement, offering them a state funeral with full honors. The victims' bodies were transported from the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital to Pashupati Aryaghat for the final rites, where Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal and Minister for Energy, Physical Infrastructure, and Urban Development Kulman Ghising, draped the national flag over the bodies, paying their tributes as security personnel rendered a salute. While many of the deceased were honored with national recognition, some were sent back to their home districts for traditional final rites.

This marks the government's decision to declare the victims of the Gen-Z protests as martyrs, a move aimed at recognizing their sacrifices for the cause. The authorities also declared September 17 as a national day of mourning, with a public holiday to allow the nation to pay respects.

The Gen-Z protests, which began in late August, had been sparked by demands for political change and greater transparency. The unrest peaked on August 23, when protests turned violent, resulting in multiple fatalities from police gunfire. Protestors clashed with security forces, targeting several key governmental institutions, including the Singhadurbar, the Parliament, and the Supreme Court. Amid the chaos, government offices were damaged or set ablaze.

As the country grapples with the aftermath of the uprising, there is growing political tension. Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang returned from Kathmandu this week, visibly frustrated after his failure to secure a ministerial post in the interim government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki.

In a scathing social media post on Monday, Sampang directed his anger at Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, challenging him to run for the position of executive chief in a direct election. "Don’t underestimate me," he wrote, daring Balen to contest him in a head-to-head race for leadership. "If I lose, I’ll serve you for a year. If you lose, you’ll plow my fields for a month. Can you do that? Or will you just hide? Coward!"

Sampang, known for his fiery rhetoric, went on to accuse Balen of hiding while the country descended into turmoil. "When the country was burning and leaders were hiding, I traveled 500 kilometers to Kathmandu to take responsibility," Sampang claimed. "I turned down two ministries because they required me to go through the Indian Embassy. Wait and see, my opponents will know who I truly am."

But the tough talk soon gave way to a more emotional moment. On Tuesday, Sampang appeared in a viral video where he broke down in tears, lamenting the state of the nation. "Foreigners could take over at this very moment. Our leaders have fled, party offices are destroyed, and no one knows what’s happening," he cried. "Who will lead us now?"

Sampang claimed that young people had urged him to step up, putting his own life at risk to come to Kathmandu despite threats. He also admitted to having met with Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel but left the capital without any ministerial role. Despite this, he continued to express support for Prime Minister Karki.

In contrast, Balen Shah responded to the criticism with a more subdued and emotional tone. On Tuesday afternoon, he posted a message on Facebook: "Dear Harka Sampang, no matter how much you insult me, I will never stop loving you. Even if it is one-sided, my love for you is true. You are my true love."

Amid the political chaos, there are also concerns about foreign interference. In his emotional plea, Sampang highlighted how no leader had emerged to steer Nepal out of its crisis after the Gen-Z uprising, raising fears that foreign powers might step in to fill the leadership vacuum.

As political figures bicker and tensions rise, the nation watches closely as Prime Minister Karki seeks to stabilize the government. On Tuesday, Karki visited renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Sanduk Ruit at the Tilganga Eye Hospital in Kathmandu, under the pretext of inviting him to join her government. Karki extended an offer to Dr. Ruit to become part of her cabinet, citing the importance of his expertise in light of the ongoing crisis and the interim government’s attempts to forge a stable leadership.

However, Dr. Ruit turned down the offer, explaining that he could not leave his responsibilities at the hospital, where he is committed to his patients’ well-being. "I will support the government, but I cannot be a part of it," Dr. Ruit told the Prime Minister.

The discussion between Karki and Dr. Ruit lasted for a considerable amount of time, but Dr. Ruit’s refusal made it clear that he would not be involved in any governmental role due to his ongoing medical work. While the Prime Minister did not reveal the specifics of their conversation, Dr. Ruit later clarified that his priority remained his hospital and patients, stating, "I cannot leave this work to join the government."

Prime Minister Karki’s cabinet, currently consisting of only four members, is expected to expand, with plans to appoint a total of 11 ministers. Karki has emphasized that the new ministers will not be affiliated with any political party and will be selected for their experience in institutions rather than their political loyalties.

Meanwhile, the Karki government has begun forming a new cabinet, with the aim of keeping it non-political. In an interview with BBC Nepali Service, Prime Minister Karki explained that the government would limit the cabinet to a maximum of 11 members, all of whom would not be affiliated with any political party. She further emphasized that the cabinet would consist of non-political figures who have experience working in institutions, and only those not contesting upcoming elections would be appointed.

As of now, three ministers have already been appointed: Rameshwar Khanal as the Finance Minister, Om Prakash Aryal as the Home Minister, and Kulman Ghising as the Minister for Energy, Physical Infrastructure, and Urban Development. Discussions about further cabinet expansion are ongoing, with Prime Minister Karki actively seeking to consolidate support from experienced individuals who can steer the nation through its current crisis.

In the midst of the political turmoil, the country’s leadership remains divided, with some accusing others of hiding behind power games, while others call for unity in the face of growing challenges. Whether the interim government under Karki’s leadership can stabilize the nation remains uncertain, as citizens and political figures alike continue to grapple with the aftermath of the Gen-Z protests and the power vacuum that has followed.