'Peaceful Civic Engagement': 'Gen Z' Protesters Issue Clarification As Nepal Agitation Turn Violent

Last Updated:September 09, 2025, 19:20 IST

The Gen Z protesters said they are not associated with any individual or group or political party attempting to "hijack" or "misrepresent" their cause

Smoke billows as demonstrators gather on a road during a protest to condemn police crackdown on the anti-government agitation in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 9. (Image: AFP)

Soon after KP Sharma Oli resigned from the post of prime minister amid a massive anti-government agitation in Nepal, the ‘Gen Z’ group on Tuesday issued a clarification that their movement is “non-violent" and “rooted in the principles of peaceful civic engagement".

The Gen Z protesters, who have been campaigning against corruption for some time now, said they are not associated with any individual or group or political party attempting to “hijack" or “misrepresent" their cause.

In light of the demonstrations turning violent due to “external agitators", they requested the Nepal army to assess the situation and enforce curfew wherever required to ensure citizens’ safety.

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“In light of escalating risks created by external agitators, we humbly request the Nepal army to carefully assess the situation and, if necessary, implement curfews in suitable areas to protect citizens, maintain peace, and prevent further damage to public property," the Gen Z group said in a statement. “Today’s peaceful protest, organized by Nepal’s Generation Z, was conducted with a clear vision: to demand accountability, transparency, and an end to corruption. Our movement was and remains non-violent and rooted in the principles of peaceful civic engagement."

According to the statement, the demonstrators have “retrieved" from protest sites. It said that the movement does not welcome “opportunists" and “belongs solely to the youth of Nepal", which is looking for a peaceful transition.

“We want to strongly clarify that: we, the Gen Z protesters, have retrieved from the protest sites; we are not associated with any individuals or groups involved in vandalism or destruction of public property; our movement does not welcome opportunists or political party members attempting to hijack or misrepresent our cause. We did not need them before, and we do not need them now," it added.

Highlighting the goal of the movement as working towards a government with qualified and non-corrupt leaders, the group said it will continue to stand for a “better future through unity, integrity, and peaceful action".

The clarification came following a statement by Nepal’s army chief, high-ranking security officials, and civil servants urging protesters to resolve the crisis through dialogue.

The Nepali Army and chiefs of other security agencies issued the joint appeal and offered their condolences to families who lost loved ones in police action during the demonstrations on Monday (September 8).

“As the Prime Minister’s resignation has already been accepted by the president, we call upon all to restrain and not to allow more loss to life and property in this difficult situation," they said.

They called upon all concerned parties to find a peaceful solution to the problem through political dialogue. “A peaceful resolution through dialogue is the only way to restore order and stability," the joint statement said.

Earlier, protesters set fire to the parliament, Singha Durbar premises, Supreme Court, political party offices, and homes of senior leaders. Former PM Jhalanath Khanal’s wife, Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, succumbed to severe burn injuries at a hospital after their house was set ablaze.

In a separate statement, Kathmandu Metropolitan City mayor Balen Shah urged everyone to remain calm. His statement came soon after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced his resignation.

Acknowledging the protests to be an “entirely Gen Z movement", Shah asked everyone to be ready to hold talks with the army chief but stressed that Parliament must be dissolved first.

“We had made it clear from the beginning — this is purely a Gen-Z movement. Dear Gen-Z, the resignation of your oppressor has already come. Now, please remain calm," he said in a social media post.

The situation has become tense as the agitators were seen capturing various government offices and vandalising them. Oli stepped down shortly after hundreds of agitators entered his office shouting slogans demanding his resignation for the death of at least 19 people during the protests.

(With agency inputs)

Oindrila Mukherjee

Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing impactful st...Read More

Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing impactful st...

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News world 'Peaceful Civic Engagement': 'Gen Z' Protesters Issue Clarification As Nepal Agitation Turn Violent

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