नेपालका नव युवाहरूको आन्दोलन: पृष्ठभूमि, महत्व र अबको बाटो

September 8, 2025

I extend heartfelt condolences to the youths who lost their lives during today’s Gen-Z demonstrations against the mismanagement of the state, and I wish a speedy recovery to all who were injured. I express deep regret and strong condemnation of the severe repression carried out by the state against peaceful protesters, which resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. Likewise, I strongly denounce those elements who infiltrated the peaceful movement to incite violence and disorder, as well as the political forces who encouraged them. This is not merely a movement; it is a historic turning point connected to the nation’s future and very existence, and I urge all sides to take the voice of the youth seriously and respond accordingly.

Background

Over the past one hundred years, Nepal has undergone several phases of political change: the end of the Rana regime and the advent of democracy in 1951 (2007 B.S.), the subsequent instability, the Panchayat system, the restoration of multiparty democracy in 1990 (2046 B.S.), the armed conflict and peace process (1996–2006 / 2052–2063 B.S.), the declaration of the republic, and the promulgation of the federal constitution in 2015 (2072 B.S.). However, these transformations did not translate into the expected socio-economic progress. As a result, citizens – particularly the youth – were gradually pushed from disappointment into anger.

During the Panchayat era – especially under King Mahendra – several state-led initiatives for development and self-reliance laid the foundation for modernization. Institutions directly connected to daily life and self-sufficiency were established. The Agricultural Inputs Corporation and the Agricultural Development Bank expanded access to seeds, fertilizers, irrigation materials, and credit. The Nepal Food Corporation played a role in food security and price stabilization. Sajha Yatayat, Rastriya Banijya Bank, national insurance and trading institutions, National Trading Limited, and Salt Trading Corporation stabilized supply chains. Nepal Airlines Corporation expanded both domestic and international connectivity. The Hetauda and Balaju industrial estates created employment opportunities based on production. Factories such as Birgunj Sugar Mill, Biratnagar Jute Mill, Hetauda Textile (cloth), Bansbari Leather and Shoe Factory, Gorakhkali Rubber Industry, and the Janak Education Materials Centre – related to clothing, footwear, tires, agriculture, education, and supply – showed strong potential to strengthen daily life and national self-reliance. In transport infrastructure, the electric trolley bus, the Dhorsing–Kathmandu cargo ropeway, and the Hetauda–Kathmandu ropeway demonstrated geography-friendly, environmentally sound, and sustainable models of access.

However, after the restoration of multiparty democracy in 1990 (2046 B.S.), the expected good governance and long-term strategic vision did not emerge. Instead, lack of policy continuity, misuse of institutions, unstructured privatization, political interference, and widespread corruption became dominant. Many productive public industries collapsed – not through reform but due to haphazard privatization, unhealthy competition, and lack of policy consistency. Policies to prioritize domestic production in agriculture, industry, and services weakened, and the country moved toward an import-dependent economy.

As the education system failed to become practical and employment-oriented, and health services remained weak in rural areas and expensive/disorganized in urban areas, social inequality increased. Large numbers of youths in their productive years were compelled to migrate abroad for higher education or employment. This intensified family separation, social imbalance, and capital/skills flight. At the same time, weak agricultural value chains, poor market management, and lack of protection for local products meant that even goods abundantly available within Nepal were dominated by imports. This trend demoralized farmers, domestic industries, and small entrepreneurs.

It is upon these deep-rooted structural weaknesses that today’s youth movement has arisen. The recent social media ban is only a spark. The root problem lies in the absence of good governance, transparency, institutional autonomy, and economic policies that prioritize local production. The anger expressed on the streets today is, in fact, the accumulated reaction of youths against a century of distortions. Its central message is clear: corruption-free governance, prioritization of domestic production, quality access to essential services and infrastructure, and youth-centered opportunities.

Today’s Incident

On Bhadau 23, 2082 (September 8, 2025), the young generation of Nepal took to the streets through a historic peaceful demonstration to express their outrage and demands. Simultaneous demonstrations were organized across the country, with particularly large participation seen in major cities including the capital Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Bharatpur, and Nepalgunj. From school and college students to youths searching for employment, everyone openly voiced their dissatisfaction.

What began as a completely peaceful protest turned into bloodshed due to severe repression by the state. Security forces, under the pretext of crowd control, reportedly used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets, and in some places even live ammunition. This resulted in the deaths of dozens of youths and injuries to hundreds more.

Similarly, there was also the involvement of elements who infiltrated the peaceful demonstrations to incite chaos and violent activities. It is clear that this was an attempt to weaken the movement and tarnish its genuine character. However, the widespread public discontent and the sacrifices made by the youth cannot be overshadowed in this way.

Today’s incident has sent a clear message that the young generation will no longer remain silent. They are struggling to secure their future, to build a corruption-free nation, to establish good governance, and to achieve self-reliance. This incident is not only a tragic calamity; it is both a warning and an opportunity for future generations. The path ahead must now turn toward listening to the voices of the youth, addressing their concerns, and implementing practical reforms.

Necessity

Today’s youth movement is not an accidental outburst. It is a natural response to long-accumulated frustration. It has delivered a clear message to the nation: Nepal can no longer continue in its existing framework. Despite some basic structural achievements over the past century of political upheavals, the lack of good governance, transparency, policy continuity, and long-term strategic vision has prevented those achievements from becoming sustainable.

Nepali youths are continuously migrating abroad in search of opportunities. This has intensified family separation, social imbalance, and the flight of capital and skills. Weaknesses in agriculture, industry, tourism, education, and health – sectors that should have been considered the backbone of the nation – have pushed the country toward an import-dependent economy. Self-reliant production, domestic employment, and a balanced social structure have all been weakened.

Against this backdrop, reform is no longer optional but has become imperative. The areas of reform are multidimensional:

• Good governance and transparency: control of corruption, policy stability, autonomy of public institutions, and implementation of digital governance.

• Employment generation and youth empowerment: production-oriented industries, modernization of agriculture, technical education, promotion of startups, and skill-based employment.

• Education and health reform: employment-oriented education system, quality health services in rural areas, and organized and accessible health facilities in urban areas.

• Economic self-reliance: prioritization of domestically available products, prohibition of unnecessary imports, protection of farmers and domestic industries, and development of an export-oriented economy.

• Infrastructure development: long-term investment in geography-friendly transport, energy, communications, and smart infrastructure.

• Social justice and equal opportunity: ensuring equal opportunities for women, Dalits, indigenous groups, minorities, and all communities.

Therefore, today’s movement is not merely an expression of discontent; it is a collective voice directing the nation toward the imperative need for corruption-free governance, a self-reliant economy, an employment-oriented social structure, and youth-centered opportunities.

Significance

Today’s youth movement is not merely an expression of discontent; it is a historic opportunity to steer the nation toward a new direction. It has brought decades of accumulated pain and injustice to the center of the national discourse.

The first significance of this movement is the clear establishment of the role of youth. Considered the backbone of the nation, the younger generation remained silently tolerant for a long time, but now they have positioned themselves as the leading force of change. This demonstrates that youth participation is indispensable in forthcoming political, social, and economic transformations.

Second, this movement has exposed the absence of good governance, transparency, and accountability. For decades, corruption and misuse eroded institutional structures, but now the voices of youth have placed those very weaknesses at the forefront of the national agenda. It has shown policymakers that there is no longer room to avoid long-term vision and structural reform.

Third, this movement has emphasized the importance of self-reliance and local production. It has become clear that a resource-rich country like Nepal cannot sustain an import-dependent economy. The need to protect domestic products, strengthen market management, and promote farmers and local industries is now being raised not only in policy debates but loudly and clearly on the streets.

Fourth, this movement has inspired the nation to make social justice and equal opportunity a national priority. The message is clear: without ensuring equal access in education, health, employment, and leadership for all groups – women, Dalits, indigenous peoples, minorities, and rural communities – the country cannot achieve stability and prosperity.

Thus, the significance of today’s youth movement is multidimensional – it has revived not only the necessity of change but also the belief that change is possible. This movement has opened a new chapter in history, preparing a historic platform to guide Nepal toward good governance, self-reliance, equal opportunity, and long-term stability.

 The Way Forward

Today’s movement has delivered a clear message – Nepal can no longer continue in its old ways. Without seriously addressing the demands and grievances raised by the youth, the country cannot move toward long-term stability and prosperity. Therefore, the steps ahead must be realistic, peaceful, and directed toward institutional reforms.

First, the government and political parties must initiate direct dialogue with the youth. The movement should not be viewed solely through a security lens; rather, it is time to incorporate their voices into national policy and long-term strategy.

Second, security agencies must address the demonstrations sensitively, without the use of excessive force. The anger of the youth should not be seen as an enemy but as an inspiration for national reform.

Third, as an immediate measure, the ban on social media should be lifted to guarantee freedom of expression. The government has stated that some platforms operated without fulfilling Nepal’s laws and guidelines, including local registration. While these issues must indeed be addressed, limiting citizens’ freedom of expression is not the solution. The government must take a leadership role by engaging directly with the headquarters of these companies, ensuring their registration in Nepal, and requiring them to comply with national and international standards for crime prevention – without curtailing citizens’ freedom of speech and expression.

Fourth, an independent investigation commission must be formed to ensure justice for those killed and injured. This will play a crucial role in restoring public trust in the state.

Fifth, emergency programs related to employment, education, and healthcare must be implemented immediately. Unless an environment is created where young people can secure their future within their own country, outmigration cannot be stopped, and the continuous separation of families will mean that public discontent can never be resolved.

Sixth, ongoing major corruption cases must be investigated with urgency, and strict legal action must be taken against all involved – ranging from senior leaders of major political parties to all officials connected with such cases. Only this can restore confidence in political purification.

Seventh, a National Reconstruction Vision 2100 (B.S.) must be formally adopted as a national agenda. This vision should outline a framework for good governance, transparency, self-reliance, industrialization, social justice, equal opportunity, long-term infrastructure development, and the creation of youth-centered opportunities.

Ultimately, the way forward is not merely about establishing short-term peace; it must serve as the foundation for long-term national reconstruction. If the sacrifices and voices of the youth are not transformed into genuine reforms and real change, today’s tragedy will become the cause of an even greater crisis tomorrow.