Kathmandu, Oct 23 – On the fifth day of the Diwali festival, Gen Z activists in Nepal paid tribute to the victims of the September protests, demanding accountability for the killings. As the nation celebrated Bhai Tika, or Brothers’ Day, on Thursday, these activists lit numerous candles outside Nepal’s Federal Parliament building in Naya Baneshwor, marking the 45th day of the Gen Z movement.

During Bhai Tika, sisters traditionally pray for the health, longevity, and prosperity of their brothers. The gathering took place at the site where security forces killed at least 22 youths on September 8, the first day of the protests. The activists honored those who lost their lives in the fight against corruption, nepotism, and political instability.

Over 100 attendees, including injured Gen Z activists, family members of the deceased, and media representatives, participated in the event. They called on the caretaker government, led by Sushila Karki, to take immediate and decisive action against those responsible for the violence and corruption, thereby honoring the sacrifices made by the youths.

Sushila Karki, 73, became Nepal’s first female prime minister last month following the ousting of former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, which was spurred by youth-led protests against government corruption and restrictions on social media.

In a parallel demonstration, another group of Gen Z activists, operating under the banner of Gen Z United, convened at Maitighar Mandala, the origin point of the movement on September 8. They adorned photographs of the deceased with garlands and displayed placards demanding accountability for the killings of Gen Z protesters. The activists, draped in the national flag of Nepal, emphasized the importance of unity among various factions of the Gen Z movement.