A blood-stained white shoe has become a symbol of Nepal’s recent Gen-Z movement, captivating national attention. A recent report in the Kantipur Daily identified the owner of the viral image as Prakash Bohara, a 28-year-old from Dailekh and a former Russian soldier. He’s now recovering from a gunshot wound at a trauma center.
The image of the shoe, widely circulated on social media, belongs to Prakash, who was among the young protesters on the first day of the movement. As he moved toward the Parliament building, police fired tear gas. Despite this, Prakash and a group of other demonstrators pressed on, beginning to tear down a fence.
“I was pulling a metal bar when I was shot in the left leg,” Prakash recounted from his hospital bed. “I collapsed.” His brother-in-law, who was with him, captured the moment on video, which clearly shows Prakash’s now-iconic white shoe. The video shows protesters scattering immediately after he was shot.
For days, he had no idea the viral image of a blood-stained shoe was his. It wasn’t until his brother-in-law visited him nine days later and told him, “Brother-in-law, your shoe has gone completely viral.” After seeing the photo on a nurse’s phone, Prakash confirmed it was indeed his shoe, instantly bringing back the memory of the protest.
After completing his Health Assistant (HA) certification in 2016, Prakash struggled to find stable employment. He made a life-altering decision to join the Russian army two years ago, following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. Over 73 Nepali citizens have reportedly died in the conflict, with many others injured or missing.
Prakash returned to Nepal unharmed five months ago. “My friends who trained with me were killed,” he said. “I barely survived and came back.” With the money he earned as a Russian soldier, he bought a motorcycle and two pairs of shoes on sale in Nepalgunj—one of which was the now-famous white shoe. He was planning to join the Qatar police force but had an unsettling feeling about the country’s situation.
Recent deadly protests, triggered by a ban on social media platforms like Facebook and widespread political corruption, erupted in Kathmandu and other cities. The events resulted in at least 100 deaths and over 1,000 injuries, marking one of the most significant upheavals in Nepal’s modern history.
Just a day after violent clashes claimed at least 19 lives, protesters defied a curfew to set fire to the parliament building, Singha Durbar, and the residences of political leaders. Demonstrators stormed Singha Durbar, Nepal’s main administrative center for over 115 years, and set it ablaze, torching nearly all the ministries within the complex. Protesters also targeted other government buildings, political homes, the Supreme Court, and media houses.
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) released a preliminary report estimating that the private sector alone suffered more than $550 million in direct damages.
The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) estimates the total nationwide damage to physical infrastructure, including both public and private property, to be approximately 5% of Nepal’s GDP, which is equivalent to about $2.1 billion.
The Nepal Chamber of Commerce claims the total private sector loss is closer to $1 billion. Major businesses targeted by protesters include hotels, tourism establishments, Bhatbhateni Supermarket, Chaudhary Group, Chandragiri Cable Car, and Maula Kalika Cable Car. The destruction of these companies has affected thousands of jobs.
The Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) estimates approximately $175 million in damage to hotels and the hospitality sector, affecting nearly 25 hotels. The Nada Automobiles Association of Nepal estimates around $105 million in damages to auto dealers, showrooms, and warehouses across the country, with the most severe damage in the Thapathali area.
The protests have affected more than 15,000 jobs in the private sector. The destruction of Bhatbhateni Supermarket’s branches alone impacted nearly 10,000 employees. Other companies, including CG Holdings, Chandragiri Cable Car, and Maula Kalika Cable Car, also saw significant job impacts.
Additionally, a branch of the National Commercial Bank in the Parliament building was looted. Officials reported that around $350,000 and nearly 18 kilograms of gold, held as collateral for loans, were stolen. While the Nepal Rastra Bank governor claims there was no major damage to the financial sector, over 25 bank branches, 43 extension counters, and 69 ATMs were vandalized.
Susan Shrestha
View More PostsSusan Shrestha is a Europe-based journalist. He covers a wide range of topics, from local matters to global affairs. Shrestha previously worked as a reporter for Khasokhas in Nepal.
