Nepal government committed to change and reforms younger generation wants: Karki

Nepal’s interim prime minister, Sushila Karki, on Thursday said that the past governments did not listen to the voice and feelings of the Gen Z youth, which they must accept as their "weakness".

Issuing a video message on the first month of the Gen Z movement that led to the ouster of K P Sharma Oli as prime minister, Karki said, "The government is committed to the change the younger generation wants."

"We all should accept the revolution brought about by the younger generation," the 73-year-old former chief justice of Nepal said.

"On one hand there is frustration among our youths, while on the other hand, they have tremendous love for the nation," she added.

"We all should politely accept our weaknesses and mistakes," Karki said.

She called on all sides to observe patience and avoid violence. She also expressed the view that the political parties need to reform themselves.

"Many youths have sacrificed their lives in the Gen Z movement and hundreds of people have been injured. I want to remember all those who sacrificed their lives. I want to express my deep sorrow to this tragic incident and extend condolences to the bereaved family members," she said.

Thousands of youths under the banner of Gen Z group staged anti-government protests in Kathmandu on September 8 and 9 in which 76 people were killed.

Meanwhile, Nepal’s deposed prime minister, Oli has demanded that the House of Representatives should be reinstated, stressing the need for national unity and political stability.

Speaking at an event organised by the CPN-UML’s Bhaktapur District Committee in Gundu on Wednesday, Oli said his party supports the reinstatement of the dissolved parliament and expressed confidence that the Nepali Congress would also back the move.

Oli resigned in early September after violent protests by the youth-led Gen Z group against his government over corruption and a ban on social media.

Karki became the interim prime minister on September 12. President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved parliament on her recommendation. The next general election is set to take place on March 5, 2026.

Separately, Nepal Police on Thursday arrested 18 activists belonging to the ‘Gen Z’ group, including Dr Nicholous Bhusal, who were protesting at Maitighar here demanding the arrest of Oli and then home minister Ramesh Lekhak.

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