Nepal Gen Z protest: Country to hold nationwide mourning for victims of unrest; compensation announced

Nepal will observe a nationwide day of mourning on September 17 to honor the victims of last week’s violent anti-government protests, which forced KP Sharma Oli to resign and saw Sushila Karki sworn in as interim prime minister.The demonstrations, led by Gen Z activists against corruption and a social media ban, left at least 59 protesters, 10 prisoners, and three policemen dead. Public offices will remain closed, and the national flag will be flown at half-mast, home minister Om Prakash Aryal announced, as cited by PTI. Aryal further announced that the government will build a Gen Z Awareness Park to commemorate those who lost their lives.He also announced that each bereaved family will receive Nepali Rs 1 million in compensation, along with an additional Nepali Rs 500,000 to cover other expenses. In total, the government will provide Nepali Rs 1.5 million to the families of those killed during the protests.The funds are to be distributed through the respective District Administration Offices.After taking charge, Nepal’s new Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, declared those killed in the September 8–9 protests as “martyrs.”She urged citizens to unite with a “positive mindset” to help rebuild the economy, while emphasizing that the interim government would function strictly within its six-month mandate.Nepal's government has also decided to probe all incidents from the protests, with a Cabinet meeting on Monday approving the formation of a high-level judicial inquiry commission to lead the investigation.The unrest, which began as protests over a brief social media ban on September 7, quickly escalated into a broader uprising against corruption, nepotism, and entrenched political elites.Demonstrators set fire to government buildings, politicians’ homes, and even the parliament, while soldiers remain deployed across Kathmandu to maintain order.The situation appears to have eased, with citizens assuring on social media that Nepal is “completely safe for travellers” and returning to normal. Youth clarified the protests were “only against the government and not tourists.”