Those Killed in Gen Z Protests to be Declared Martyrs, Says New Nepal PM in First Address
In her first address to the nation since taking office, Nepal’s new interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, announced that those killed during the recent Gen Z-led anti-government protests will be officially recognized as martyrs . Assuming charge on Sunday after a massive youth uprising toppled the KP Sharma Oli government, Karki called for national unity to rebuild the country and assured the public that her government’s tenure would be temporary .
“My team and I are not here to taste the power. We won’t stay for more than 6 months. We will hand over the responsibility to the new parliament,” the 73-year-old former Chief Justice declared, emphasizing that her administration is there to serve the people . She acknowledged the deep financial crisis facing the nation and urged all stakeholders to “come together to rebuild Nepal” . Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Karki, calling her appointment “a shining example of women’s empowerment” .
The announcement to honor the deceased protesters comes after a week of intense turmoil. On September 8, what began as a protest against a social media ban quickly escalated into a nationwide movement against corruption and inequality, leading to violent clashes that left at least 51 people dead and over 1,300 injured .
A day later, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned . “I am deeply pained by the loss suffered by families, especially those who lost school- and college-going children,” Karki said, announcing that a financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh would be provided to the families of the martyrs, with aid also extended to the injured .
Karki, Nepal’s first female prime minister, was sworn in on Friday night after being endorsed by protest leaders for her integrity and independence . Following her appointment, President Ram Chandra Poudel dissolved parliament and scheduled fresh elections for March 5, 2026 . As political leaders begin the work of reconciliation, the country is slowly returning to normalcy, with curfews lifted and businesses reopening .
