As Nepal celebrates Dashain, the festival symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, Gen Z activist Miraj Dhungana delivered a stirring message on behalf of a youth-led movement demanding systemic change. In a statement resonating with resolve, Dhungana said, “We will not let our country burn again,” emphasizing a commitment to reform, accountability, and a prosperous future for Nepal.
Miraj Dhungana, a 24-year-old entrepreneur and master’s graduate from Makawanpur, emerged as a vocal figure, warning in viral TikToks that the movement risked being “hijacked” by political opportunists.
Speaking to Nepalis at home and abroad, Dhungana outlined the movement’s core demands: an end to corruption, accountability from leaders, direct executive elections, and voting rights for the Nepali diaspora. “Our fight is against corruption and impunity,” he said, clarifying that the protests were not aimed at tarnishing businesses or institutions but at cleansing politics of corrupt influences. He expressed regret if global brands or partners felt impacted, stressing that Nepal remains open to investment, job creation, and green growth.
The activist highlighted the movement’s push for constitutional reform and a transparent system where leaders are directly elected by the people. Recent achievements, including the removal of a prime minister, dissolution of parliament, and declaration of elections, were described as steps forward but not final victories. Dhungana paid tribute to citizens who lost their lives in the struggle, calling their sacrifice a “moral pledge” for Nepal’s rebirth and offering condolences to their families.
Addressing the Nepali diaspora, Dhungana acknowledged their vital role in the economy and global representation of Nepal’s identity. “You deserve more than just sending remittances,” he said, demanding a secure and practical voting system to ensure every Nepali—from Kathmandu to Qatar, New York to New Delhi—has a say in the nation’s future.
Dhungana also called on Nepal’s elders and leaders to embrace accountability, asserting, “No one is above the law.” To the international community, he extended an invitation for partnership, emphasizing Nepal’s commitment to democracy, human rights, and transparent governance as a reliable destination for investment.
As Dashain celebrations continue, Dhungana urged Nepalis to pray for courage and clarity, vowing that the movement will return to the civic square after the festival to press for legal and practical reforms. “Our pledge is simple: to build institutions that cannot be bought, policies with no loopholes, and a democracy strong enough to protect every citizen,” he said, calling for solidarity from Humla to Hetauda, Dallas to Doha.
Concluding with a message of unity, Dhungana wished all Nepalis a Happy Dashain and reaffirmed the movement’s resolve: “Together, we will guard, reform, and make Nepal shine.” The Gen Z movement, he asserted, is ready to lead with moral clarity and practical competence to ensure a brighter future for the nation.The Gen Z movement erupted on September 8, 2025, triggered by the government’s abrupt ban on 26 social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter)—on September 4.
Officials cited non-compliance with registration rules under the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, but critics viewed it as a desperate bid to silence growing online dissent against entrenched corruption and nepotism.
For Nepal’s digitally native youth—who rely on these platforms for education, livelihoods, and activism—the ban was the final straw in a nation plagued by economic stagnation, with youth unemployment hovering at 20.8% and remittances from abroad fueling 26% of the GDP.
What began as a leaderless online campaign, amplified on Discord servers and Instagram by groups like Hami Nepal, quickly swelled into mass demonstrations. On September 9, as crowds defied curfews, the prime minister resigned amid cheers from demonstrators outside the smoldering parliament—a building they had stormed and set ablaze.
On September 9, widespread arson engulfed Kathmandu: the parliament, Singha Durbar (the administrative hub), the Supreme Court, UML and Nepali Congress headquarters, politicians’ homes (including former PM Deuba’s), and even the Hilton and Varnabas hotels were torched.
At least 100 lives were lost over two days—protesters, bystanders, police, and inmates—with over 2,000 injured, many from gunshot wounds and burns. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International condemned the “unlawful use of lethal force,” urging investigations into police actions.
Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki—Nepal’s first female prime minister and a known anti-corruption advocate—was sworn in as interim leader on September 12, following Discord “mini-elections” by over 100,000 Gen Z users. President Ram Chandra Paudel dissolved the 275-seat House of Representatives, scheduling elections for March 5, 2026.
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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.
