Gen Z youths (those born between 1997 and 2012) held a protest in Kathmandu on Monday morning.
The youths gathered at Maitighar Mandala and began their protest at 9 a.m. Monday. Students, dressed in college uniforms and carrying identity cards, also took part in the protest.
They took to the streets to protest against corruption and the government’s ban on social media platforms.
The participants protested with placards bearing slogans such as “Social media banned, corruption open,” and “Let us speak, government.”
Their demands also include creating an environment for employment and ensuring good governance in the country.
The youths will march from Maitighar to New Baneshwar around 11 a.m.
Prajwal Kumar Pandey, a 25-year-old participant, told Setopati that he joined the protest due to the social media ban and the rise in corruption.
“This is my first time participating in such a protest; corruption has increased,” he said. “It takes years to build some infrastructure—how is this not corruption? Many youths are doing business through social media, but the government couldn’t tolerate their success.”
Shubhechchha Bhantana, a 23-year-old participant, said that she joined the protest to caution against the misuse of taxpayers’ money.
“The taxes we pay are not being used properly. They aren’t spent for the people’s welfare. Leaders are using our taxes to travel abroad. People who didn’t have a good lifestyle before have changed their lifestyles after joining politics—how?” she questioned.
On Sunday, some youths met at Maitighar to discuss and plan the management of the demonstration.
They have said that the protest will be peaceful. There will be no speeches or corner meetings after the demonstration, but activities like dancing and singing are planned, they added. Also, they have asked leaders of political parties not to join their protest.
Apart from Kathmandu, Gen Z youths are also holding protests starting Monday in other cities, including Pokhara and Dang.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah, Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane, and others have expressed solidarity with their protest.
