Nepal Gen Z Protest Crackdown: Foundation Demands Action Against KP Oli, 76 Dead, Probe Ignored

Kathmandu: More than six months after Nepal’s security forces cracked down on youth-led protests, the Dr. Sandesh Lamsal Foundation (DSLF) has intensified its demand for justice for victims and their families. The organisation has published a detailed timeline of events and is pressing for full implementation of official inquiry findings, including criminal action against those responsible for excessive use of force.

The foundation’s central initiative — “Gen Z’s Blood Cries Out: Government, Where Is The Justice?” — underscores its continued engagement with victims of the September 2025 unrest. Founded in 2025 in Dang as a non-profit, non-political organisation, DSLF works in healthcare, education, and social welfare. Its current advocacy builds on the emergency relief fund it launched immediately after the protests to support the injured and families of those killed.

The protests were triggered on September 4, 2025, after the government moved to impose a nationwide ban on social media. Within days, thousands of young Nepalis took to the streets, protesting corruption, nepotism and restrictions on digital freedom. On September 8, security forces allegedly used tear gas, water cannons and, according to multiple reports, live ammunition without following standard protocols.

Initial reports indicated 19 deaths on that day alone. By the end of the unrest, the death toll had risen to at least 76, with over 2,000 people injured.

On November 3, 2025, the cabinet declared 45 victims as “Gen Z martyrs” and announced financial compensation for their families. However, the foundation’s timeline points to serious gaps — incomplete medical rehabilitation, continued economic distress among affected families, and, most critically, the absence of criminal accountability for senior officials.

Two major investigations examined the crackdown. The interim government’s Investigative Committee submitted its report on March 8, 2026 — later leaked — recommending criminal prosecution and departmental action against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, the then home minister, and senior security officials.

Separately, the National Human Rights Commission, led by Dr. Lily Thapa, documented excessive use of force, leadership failures and called for legal proceedings. According to DSLF, neither report has been acted upon in full.

The political fallout was immediate. KP Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, parliament was dissolved on September 12, and an interim government was formed. In an unprecedented move, Gen Z protesters conducted an online poll on Discord, selecting former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister. Elections were subsequently held on March 5, 2026.

Despite the political transition, victims’ families continue to demand justice, while injured protesters struggle for sustained medical care.

DSLF Chairperson Ganesh Lamsal said the organisation remains committed to long-term support. “The sacrifices of these young people must lead to systemic change and real accountability. We will continue to stand with the families until the inquiry reports are fully implemented,” he said.

Trustee Dr. Sandesh Lamsal emphasised that justice goes beyond legal action. “It is about restoring dignity and ensuring sustained support. Relief efforts have addressed immediate needs, but closure will come only when the state honours its commitments,” he said.

The foundation’s Gen Z Emergency Relief Fund has so far supported hospital treatment, surgeries, prosthetics, rehabilitation, and basic necessities for affected families. Registered with Nepal’s Social Welfare Council, DSLF maintains that its operations remain transparent and open to public contribution.

Observers say the protests marked one of the largest youth-led mobilisations in Nepal in recent decades, exposing deep dissatisfaction with governance and corruption, and raising serious concerns about the state’s response to dissent.

While the government justified the use of force citing violence, arson and property damage, civil society groups have repeatedly called for independent investigations, accountability mechanisms and institutional reforms.

Economic losses from the unrest have been estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars. While no major casualties were reported after the initial phase, the long-term burden on families and healthcare systems continues.

The foundation has positioned itself strictly as a humanitarian and advocacy body, independent of political affiliations. Its ongoing work reflects a dual approach — immediate relief and sustained pressure for accountability.

The post-election political landscape has shifted significantly, with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) securing a landslide victory and Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ taking oath as Nepal’s 43rd Prime Minister. Yet, DSLF insists that political change alone cannot replace justice.

In a dramatic development, Nepal Police arrested former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on March 28, 2028, in connection with the crackdown. However, Oli was admitted to the IOM Teaching Hospital citing health complications and has remained there since, triggering public outrage and allegations that he is evading custodial interrogation.

The foundation has said it will continue to update its timeline as events unfold and expand its relief programmes where needed.

Its message remains direct: the deaths of young protesters cannot be reduced to statistics or symbolic recognition. Without accountability, the promises made in the name of “Gen Z martyrs” will remain hollow.

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