Kathmandu — Nepal is observing Gen Z Martyrs’ Day across the country today, commemorating the young people who lost their lives during the Gen Z movement that began on September 8 last year (Bhadra 23, 2082 BS). The government has declared a public holiday nationwide in honour of those who died during the protests.

The movement, which initially centred on demands for an end to corruption, good governance, employment opportunities, greater access to opportunities and freedom of expression, quickly grew into a nationwide youth uprising. The loss of lives during the protests left a profound impact on Nepal’s political and social landscape and triggered widespread debate over the country’s system of governance and political leadership.

On September 8 last year, large numbers of young people took to the streets in Kathmandu and other parts of the country. Dissatisfaction over issues including restrictions on social media, corruption and the performance of political leaders further intensified the protests. As tensions escalated between protesters and security personnel, several parts of Kathmandu witnessed clashes, vandalism and arson. Hundreds of young people were injured, while several others lost their lives.

The impact of the movement extended far beyond the streets. Young protesters raised fundamental questions about the existing political system and called for changes in leadership and the way the state was governed. As the protests intensified, they contributed to major shifts in Nepal’s political landscape and power equations. The developments also opened a new chapter in the country’s political debate, highlighting the depth of frustration among younger generations with traditional political parties and established leadership.

A year later, the sacrifices of those who lost their lives and the issues raised by the Gen Z movement remain at the centre of political discourse. Families of the victims have continued to demand justice, appropriate compensation and an impartial investigation into the deaths and violence during the protests. Young people who participated in the movement have also stressed that the sacrifices should not be confined to annual commemorations, but should lead to concrete action on good governance, transparency, employment and accountability.

Various remembrance and tribute programmes are being organised across the country today to mark Gen Z Martyrs’ Day. The occasion has once again brought public attention to the events of last year and the human cost of the movement.

For many, the most meaningful way to honour those who died is to address the legitimate concerns that brought young people onto the streets in the first place. Institutionalising the political changes triggered by the movement and delivering tangible improvements in governance, transparency, employment and accountability could determine whether the voice that rose from Nepal’s streets a year ago becomes a lasting force for reform.