Nepal's new PM pays homage to people died during the Gen Z protest in her first national address

Nepal’s Prime Minister Sushila Karki said on Sunday that the arson and vandalism that occurred during the Gen Z protest last week were criminal acts against the country and announced that those killed during the uprising will be officially honoured as martyrs.

Karki made the proclamation in her first address to the nation after assuming the prime ministerial post. In her address, Karki made it clear that her interim government would support the victims’ families and recognise the sacrifice of young protesters who lost their lives.

“I am deeply pained by the loss suffered by families, especially those who lost school- and college-going children. Those killed in the crackdown on the Gen Z Revolution will be declared martyrs. Their families will receive financial aid of Rs 10 lakh, and assistance will also be extended to the injured," she said as she officially took over her prime ministerial duties, Kathmandu Post reported.

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The 73-year-old former Chief Justice of Nepal was appointed to the role following a two-day protest across the Himalayan nation, which was mostly led by the country’s Gen Z. The demonstration against rampant corruption in the country eventually toppled the government of Nepal’s former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

In her address to the nation, Karki stressed that her administration was not formed to hold on to power but to ensure stability in the nation, which is currently under a transitional phase. At least 51 people were killed and thousands were injured in the protests that started in Kathmandu and spread across the country.

“My team and I are not here to taste power. We will not stay beyond six months. We will hand over responsibility to the new parliament. We won’t succeed without your support," Karki told the nation, urging unity to address Nepal’s political and economic crises.

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Concluding her address, Karki stressed the need for collective commitment to steer the country in the right direction. “I have never seen such a transformation in just about 27 hours of protests. To meet this group’s demands, we must all work with determination. I did not come here out of desire; I took on this responsibility after you all urged me to step in,” she said.