Injured Gen Z Protesters Warn Interim Government from Hospital Beds

1st October 2025, Kathmandu

As Nepalis celebrate Dashain with family gatherings and festivities, the injured youth of the Gen Z protests are still struggling in hospitals and homes.

Injured Gen Z Protesters Warn

For them, the festival has turned into a hardship. Their anger is now directed not only at the former Oli government but also at the interim administration formed in its place.

Dashain Amid Pain

The Gen Z movement on September 8–9 (Bhadra 23–24) left hundreds injured and dozens dead after clashes with security forces near the Parliament building in Baneshwor.

Many of those shot and beaten are currently being treated at the National Trauma Center, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, and Civil Hospital, Minbhawan. Instead of celebrating Dashain, they are spending the holidays in hospital beds and wheelchairs.

Their frustration is growing as they believe the interim government has not honored the sacrifices made during the protests.

“Not the Change We Demanded”

Abhishek Shrestha, a young protester from Sindhupalchok’s Jalbire, was shot in front of the Parliament building. From his bed at the Trauma Center, he expressed disappointment at the interim government.

“The Gen Z protest was against exploitation and injustice. The Oli government ignored human rights and laws. It was corrupt and abusive. The interim government was created because of our sacrifice. But it is failing to work according to our mandate,” he said.

Shrestha accused the government of avoiding responsibility. “They say laws and rules are missing. But laws are meant to serve people. Our demand was for a new Nepal. Yet, this cabinet lacks Gen Z voices. We had demanded at least three or four ministers from our generation. That did not happen,” he added.

He warned of stronger action if the interim government fails to change course. “If this government ignores our agenda, we will topple it too. Do not underestimate us. We have 2,300 injured and 78 martyrs. This Dashain is not a festival; it is a disaster for us. Bullets will not silence us. They only strengthen our spirit,” Shrestha declared.

Anger in the Streets

Another injured protester, Suresh Pokhrel of Tulsipur, Dang, also criticized the government’s excuses.

“The interim government was formed on our blood. But it is saying rules prevent it from acting. That is not acceptable. Sympathy visits in hospitals will not change the country. This interim government is starting to act like the old one,” Pokhrel said.

He added that Gen Z leadership itself appears distracted. “Some of our leaders are focused on self-interest. Cards and sympathy gestures cannot solve real issues. Only genuine action can,” he noted.

Around 14 protesters remain under treatment at the Trauma Center alone. Many others are scattered across different hospitals and homes.

Doctors Speak Out

Dr. Jagat Bik, one of the doctors supporting the injured protesters, accused the interim administration of dishonesty.

“The government is throwing dust in our eyes. So far, it has only given 20,000 rupees per injured person. That does not even cover medicine costs. It is insulting,” Dr. Bik said.

He expressed anger at the contrast between leaders and protesters. “When leaders fall sick, they fly to Delhi and spend millions. But for Gen Z fighters, the state gives only 20,000 rupees? This is shameful,” he said.

Bik also criticized the incomplete cabinet. He accused the government of including “fake Gen Z representatives” while sidelining capable figures.

Dispute Over Health Minister Post

The families of Gen Z martyrs and injured protesters had recommended Dr. Bik’s name for the post of Health Minister. However, Bik revealed that these families faced intimidation.

“They were told: Do you want money or a minister? They were pressured and silenced. Even today, they are under threats,” he said.

Bik accused groups close to Sudan Gurung and Anil Baniya of threatening him. “Anil Baniya, linked to Sudan Gurung, came directly to me and said: ‘You think you’ll be the hero? The health minister will be with us. We are the real Gen Z.’ This is intimidation,” he recalled.

Bik questioned Gurung’s role. “How can Sudan Gurung claim to be Gen Z? He has no vision, no agenda. Such people are misusing the sacrifices of martyrs,” he said.

“Real Gen Z Has Yet to Rise”

Dr. Bik stressed that the genuine faces of the movement are not yet visible in politics. “The real Gen Z has not come out publicly. Instead, opportunists are playing games in our name,” he stated.

The Gen Z Protest Martyrs and Victims’ Families Struggle Committee Nepal, coordinated by Kamal Subedi, has officially proposed Bik as Health Minister. The committee includes most families of the martyrs and the injured. They continue to pressure the interim government to fulfill its promises.

Fear and Determination

For now, the injured protesters lie in hospital wards while the rest of Nepal enjoys the Dashain festival. But their words carry a warning.

“This is not Dashain for us. This is a disaster. If the government ignores our mandate, we will return to the streets. Bullets will not stop us,” said Shrestha.

The message from hospital beds is clear: the Gen Z movement may be wounded, but it is far from defeated.

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