Home Minister Aryal Pledges Relief for Gen-Z Protest Victims, Declares National Day of Mourning

15th September 2025, Kathmandu

In a move aimed at healing national wounds and addressing the fallout from recent unrest, newly appointed Home and Law Minister Om Prakash Aryal has announced immediate and significant relief measures for the victims of the recent Gen-Z protests.

Gen-Z Protest Victims Relief

Assuming his duties at Singha Durbar on Monday, the minister made it a top priority to address the humanitarian crisis stemming from the tragic events of September 8 and 9.

Minister Aryal’s first official act was a somber and compassionate one. He announced that each of the 72 families who lost a loved one during the protests will receive a grant of Rs 100,000.

This financial assistance is intended to help cover funeral expenses and provide some immediate support to the bereaved families during this difficult time.

The announcement comes as a direct response to the widespread public demand for accountability and assistance following the violent clashes.

The Gen-Z protests, which saw thousands of young people take to the streets, spiraled into a national tragedy. The demonstrations, initially sparked by a combination of economic grievances and political disillusionment, escalated into confrontations with law enforcement.

The clashes resulted in the devastating loss of 72 lives, a somber figure that has ignited a national conversation about the need for reform, dialogue, and better state-citizen relations.

The victims, predominantly young adults, have become symbols of the deep-seated frustrations within the country’s youth demographic.

Beyond the immediate financial relief, Minister Aryal also announced a more profound gesture of national solidarity: a National Day of Mourning. The day will be observed in memory of those who perished during the protests, with national flags to be flown at half-mast on all government buildings.

This declaration is a symbolic but powerful act, recognizing the profound loss and acknowledging the grief of the nation. The minister’s action sends a clear signal that the government acknowledges the tragedy and is committed to a path of reconciliation.

Upon his assumption of office, Minister Aryal spoke briefly to the press, emphasizing the need for peace, stability, and a fair and just society.

“The events of the past week have left an indelible mark on our nation,” he stated. “It is the government’s duty to stand with its people in times of crisis. We must ensure that the voices of our youth are heard and that their grievances are addressed through peaceful and constructive means.”

The appointment of Om Prakash Aryal as the Home and Law Minister, following his swearing-in ceremony at Sheetal Niwas, has been met with cautious optimism.

His background in law and his early focus on addressing the protest fallout suggest a more humanitarian approach to his new role. The decision to prioritize relief for the Gen-Z protest victims sets a precedent for his tenure, indicating a potential shift towards conflict resolution and victim support rather than solely punitive measures.

The government’s response to the Gen-Z protests has been under intense scrutiny, both domestically and internationally. Critics have called for an independent inquiry into the events of September 8 and 9 to determine the cause of the high number of casualties.

While Minister Aryal’s announcement addresses the immediate needs of the victims’ families, many are still awaiting a more comprehensive investigation and a commitment to holding those responsible accountable.

As the nation mourns and debates its future, the actions of the new Home Minister provide a glimmer of hope. The financial relief and the National Day of Mourning are crucial first steps in a long journey toward national healing.

For the families of the victims, this support is a vital lifeline. For the country, it is a test of its capacity for empathy, justice, and reconciliation in the face of deep-seated societal division.

The coming days will be critical in determining whether these initial gestures pave the way for lasting peace and a more inclusive future.

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