Kathmandu [Nepal], September 14 (ANI): As Nepal’s Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki took charge, daily life gradually resumed and traffic returned to normal after the GenZ protests, which had left the capital in eerie silence leading up to Karki’s oath-taking ceremony.
However, all is not fully resolved, as the death toll from the GenZ protests in Nepal rose to 72 on Sunday, a police official told ANI. Among the deceased were 59 protesters, three police officials, and 10 inmates attempting to flee.
After assuming office, Karki announced that those killed during the anti-corruption protests would be recognized as martyrs, with each family receiving compensation of one million Nepali rupees.
During a press conference, Karki said, “All those who died on September 8 will be known as ‘Martyrs’ and will receive one million Nepali rupees each. The government will bear the expenses of the injured, and they will also be compensated. Transfer of the bodies from Kathmandu to other districts will be facilitated by the government.”
Karki emphasized accountability and humility, stating that her administration is not in office to “taste power” but to stabilize the country, address demands for justice, and prepare for fresh elections within six months. “I and my team are not here to taste the power. We won’t stay for more than six months. We will hand over the responsibility to the new parliament. We won’t succeed without your support,” she said at Singha Durbar after formally assuming office.
The interim Prime Minister assured families that the government would assist in transferring the bodies of the deceased to their home districts. She also acknowledged the destruction caused during the protests, including damage to personal property, and stated that the government would provide support and investigate acts of vandalism and violence. (ANI)
