KATHMANDU, Oct 21: Injured participants of the Gen-Z movement have warned that they will take to the streets again if the government fails to take action against corrupt individuals and those who oppressed the September 8 and 9 protest.
In response, Prime Minister Sushila Karki has pledged that the government will move forward in line with the spirit of the movement and urged patience.
During a four-hour discussion held at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar on Tuesday, the injured representatives expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s performance and pressed for immediate action on their demands.
An 18-member team led by injured Rupin Khadka had reached Baluwatar and presented a five-point demand to the prime minister.
Mind your muscles
They accused the government of focusing only on the upcoming elections, demanding action against those who opened fire during the protests, constitutional reform, investigation into corruption, and protection of the movement.
“What is stopping the government from arresting those we protested against?” Khadka asked on behalf of the injured. “If this government is not here just to postpone the regular election for newly declared date of election, then what is stopping it to take the revolutionary steps.”
After listening to the demands and warnings of the injured, Prime Minister Karki made it clear that the government will not go beyond the mandate given by the Gen-Z movement. She said that the demands of the movement will be addressed only after completing the legal process.
“We will not go beyond the essence of the movement. There will be elections, there will be investigations into corruption,” said Prime Minister Karki. “State bodies are investigating at a rapid pace. You should not stop speaking, do not stop putting pressure on us. Just watch, the results will come now.”
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, Energy Minister Kulman Ghising, Education Minister Mahabir Pun, and Communications Minister Jagdish Kharel also participated in the discussion.
On the occasion, Home Minister Aryal informed about the progress being made in the investigation into corruption and oppression.
He said that the accused tried to escape but were unsuccessful and now they are appearing saying, “I am in Nepal.” Similarly, Minister of Communications Kharel said that even though the movement has displaced the government and parliament, it is uncomfortable to work within the old structure.
