Nepal's new PM Sushila Karki made a significant decision immediately after forming her cabinet. September 17th has been declared a national day of mourning. The Gen-Z Protest victims who lost their lives have been declared martyrs, and their families will receive a compensation of 15 lakh rupees.
Nepal Cabinet: A major political shift has occurred in Nepal. Sushila Karki recently took oath as the Interim Prime Minister, and an interim cabinet was formed immediately after her swearing-in. The first and historic decision of the cabinet was to observe September 17th as a National Mourning Day in Nepal. This day will be dedicated to the youth who lost their lives during the recent Gen-Z Protest.
Declaration of National Mourning
The cabinet has announced that September 17th will be observed as a national day of mourning across the country. On this day, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government buildings in Nepal. Not only within Nepal but also at Nepali embassies abroad, the flag will be lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.
Financial Aid for Martyrs' Families
Sushila Karki's cabinet has also decided to increase the compensation amount for the families of the martyrs. Earlier, Prime Minister Karki had announced financial assistance of 10 lakh Nepalese rupees, but this has now been raised to 15 lakh rupees during today's cabinet meeting. This financial aid is for those families who have lost their children in the movement. Additionally, injured youth and other affected individuals will also receive assistance from the government.
Prime Minister's Address to the Nation
Following her appointment as Interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki addressed the nation for the first time. She clearly stated that this position is not a matter of pride for her but a significant responsibility. Karki said that the country is going through a time when violence and unrest have caused deep wounds. Referencing the Gen-Z Protest, she remarked that Nepal witnessed 27 hours of violence, looting, and arson, which was unprecedented in the nation's history.
Background of the Movement
The Gen-Z Protest in Nepal began with youth leadership. This demonstration was initiated to express dissatisfaction over several issues, but it gradually escalated into violence. The situation deteriorated due to vandalism, looting, and clashes across the country. According to local media reports, 72 people lost their lives during this movement. Most of them were students and youth of college and school-going age.
Sushila Karki's Historic Step
Sushila Karki is not only assuming power in Nepal under these circumstances, but she has also become Nepal's first woman Prime Minister. This in itself is historic. While taking charge in challenging conditions, she made it clear that she stands with every family that has lost their children. She stated that the deceased youth would be officially declared martyrs and their families would receive full support.
Other Cabinet Decisions
The cabinet has instructed the ministries to prepare a detailed report on the damages incurred during the Gen-Z Protest. This report will include a comprehensive assessment of the damage to public and private property, government buildings, and infrastructure. The government has clarified that this movement has inflicted deep wounds on the nation and the priority now is to restore the country to normalcy.
72 People Lost Their Lives
According to a report in The Himalayan Times, 72 people have died in this protest in Nepal so far. Prime Minister Karki expressed that she deeply feels the pain of the families who have lost their children. She stated that this movement has transformed from a purely political or social one into a human tragedy.
International Perspective
The events in Nepal are also being discussed internationally. Nepali citizens living abroad are also saddened by this movement and violence. This is why the cabinet decided to lower the flags at embassies abroad to half-mast. This step clearly indicates that the government recognizes this issue not just domestically but on a global level as well.
Sushila Karki's Appeal
In her address, Sushila Karki appealed to the youth to abandon the path of violence and embrace dialogue and cooperation. She stated that protesting is a right in a democracy, but it is only meaningful when done peacefully. The Prime Minister assured that her government would seriously listen to all concerns of the youth and find solutions.
