With the prevalence of government corruption igniting frustration among the youth, recent protests in Nepal escalated into a catastrophe culminating in the deaths of over 70 individuals, primarily young students and aspiring professionals.
Narendra Shrestha stands in anguish outside a mortuary in Kathmandu, grappling with the death of his 21-year-old son, Sulov, who was shot during the unrest. 'Everyone said rubber bullet, rubber bullet. It was not a rubber bullet. If you see my son, his head was broken, a hole is there,' he mournfully remarked.
Over the course of just two days, at least 1,000 others were injured as demonstrators expressed their frustration with the government and its recent ban on social media platforms. The protests, which initially stemmed from this ban, quickly transformed into a broader demand for accountability from the ruling class in light of widespread corruption.
Protesters were met with aggressive police tactics, including water cannons and live ammunition, escalating a tragic violence that resulted in devastating deaths and injuries. Many families now face the grim task of identifying loved ones who lost their lives pursuing justice.
A new leadership under interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has vowed to address the protests and calls for justice. As the nation heals from this tragedy, challenges remain to investigate the violence and restore faith in governance as the youth of Nepal cry out for change.
