Nepal sees Gen-Z protests as three self-immolations in three days
The growing discontent among Gen-Z and youth in Nepal has once again become visible on the streets. In the past three days, three young individuals have attempted self-immolation by pouring petrol on themselves. Two of them died during treatment, while one is critically injured and admitted to the hospital. The demand for the resignation of Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah 'Balen' has intensified.
It is noteworthy that young people have been protesting in the capital Kathmandu for the past three days, while the opposition party Nepali Congress has accused the government of failing to instill hope and trust among the youth. The Gen-Z Nepal organization has accused PM Balen Shah of governing in an anti-people and autocratic manner. The organization claims that no concrete steps have been taken in the budget and policies to increase employment and income for the youth.
Balen once called self-immolation a government failure
The 2023 incident is still being discussed, when Prem Acharya self-immolated. At that time, Balen Shah, who was the Mayor of Kathmandu, termed it as a colossal failure of the state. Now, his silence on the current incidents is being targeted by the opposition and protesters. These recurring incidents in Nepal have raised serious questions about the mental state of the youth, unemployment, and government policies. Political parties and social organizations believe that if the government does not take effective steps soon, the protests may intensify.
Balen became the face of protest during the Gen-Z movement
After becoming Mayor in 2022, Balen took strict measures against city cleanliness, heritage conservation, and corruption. Actions against illegal constructions improved traffic, although there was opposition, especially from roadside vendors and slum dwellers. Balen Shah's influence was not limited to administration. During the protests last September, his songs resonated among the youth. In these protests, 77 people died, and the anger was due to social media restrictions, unemployment, corruption, and a sluggish economy. Protesters made his song 'Nepal Hanseko' a kind of symbol. In the general elections held on March 5, his party achieved a significant victory, delivering a major blow to Nepal's traditional politics. Balen Shah proved his political strength by defeating former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli from the Jhapa-5 seat. At the age of 35, upon assuming the office of Prime Minister, he became Nepal's youngest Prime Minister.