10th September 2025, Kathmandu
In a significant intervention into Nepal’s ongoing political turmoil, former King Gyanendra Shah has issued a public statement addressing the nationwide Gen-Z movement.
Former King Gyanendra About Protest
The message, delivered through his communication secretariat, marks a rare and notable entry into the country’s current affairs by the former monarch, who has largely remained out of the political spotlight since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008.
Former King Shah expressed his view that the movement, spearheaded by the country’s talented youth, must not be allowed to become “violent, anarchic, or infiltrated by external forces.”
This warning resonates with concerns from other prominent figures, including former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, who have also cautioned the youth about the potential for sabotage from within.
The former king’s statement adds a new layer to the national discourse, bringing a voice from a different historical era into the debate about Nepal’s future.
Condemning Violence and Seeking Internal Solutions
The press release issued by the former king’s communication secretariat conveyed a clear message of concern and condolence.
It described the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained during the protests on September 8 as “extremely tragic and condemnable,” a sentiment shared by many across the political spectrum.
The statement emphasized that such incidents go against the values of Nepal’s “peace-loving society.” This condemnation of violence is a direct appeal for restraint, both from the state and the protesters themselves.
Furthermore, former King Gyanendra expressed his wish that solutions to the country’s problems of good governance and economic discipline should “emerge from within Nepal itself.”
This plea for internal solutions is a subtle but potent message, suggesting that the current political leadership is failing to address the nation’s fundamental issues.
It also implies that foreign interference or externally-driven agendas should not be allowed to dictate Nepal’s path forward. The former king’s perspective, while rooted in the country’s monarchical history, finds common ground with many who are disillusioned with the current political system and its perceived subservience to outside influences.
The Gen-Z Movement: A Symbol of Public Concern
The statement acknowledges that the protests, led by “talented teenagers and youths,” have “naturally become a matter of public concern.”
This recognition validates the legitimacy of the Gen-Z movement and its underlying grievances. The youth, driven by demands for accountability and an end to corruption, have galvanized a nation tired of political instability and a lack of progress.
The former king’s message provides a sense of solidarity with the aspirations of these young citizens, even as it cautions them against the perils of their path.
By extending heartfelt condolences to the promising souls who lost their lives and wishing for the speedy recovery of the injured, former King Shah connects on a human level with the national tragedy.
His words are not just a political statement but an expression of empathy, which may resonate with those who feel that the current political establishment has been callous in its response to the bloodshed.
This gesture of compassion further highlights the disconnect between the ruling elite and the public, a sentiment that has fueled the protests from the very beginning.
Navigating a Divided Landscape
The statement from former King Gyanendra comes at a time when Nepal is deeply divided. While the monarchy was abolished through a long democratic process, a segment of the population, particularly royalist groups, still views the former king as a symbol of stability and tradition.
His public commentary could be interpreted by some as an attempt to re-enter the political fray, while others may see it as a genuinely concerned elder statesman’s advice.
Regardless of the interpretation, the statement is a significant development. It underscores the fluidity of Nepal’s political landscape and the various historical forces that continue to influence its present.
In conclusion, former King Gyanendra’s message serves as both a warning and a blessing to the Gen-Z movement. It urges them to stay true to their peaceful intentions, resist external manipulation, and work toward a homegrown solution for Nepal’s systemic problems.
His words, coming from a figure of such historical importance, are a powerful reminder that the country’s past, present, and future are deeply interconnected.
The Gen-Z generation now faces the challenge of heeding this counsel while forging a new and better path for their nation.
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