Nepal’s youth-led Zen G movement has returned to the streets, demanding the resignation of interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki following her unilateral appointment of key ministers.

On Sunday night, demonstrators led by Sudan Gurung — a prominent figure in the Gen Z-led movement — gathered outside the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, chanting slogans and warning of intensified protests. Families of those killed or injured during last week’s violent demonstrations also joined the rally.

Protesters allege that Karki ignored their demands while forming her new cabinet. “No consultation was held with us,” Gurung said. “If we take to the streets again, no one can stop us. We will uproot them from wherever they’ve settled.”

Among the appointments drawing criticism are lawyer Om Prakash Aryal as Minister for Home and Law, Rameshwar Khanal as Finance Minister, and Kulman Ghising as Energy Minister. Aryal, known for filing a Supreme Court writ challenging a previous Anti-Corruption Commission appointment, currently serves as legal advisor to Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Ghising, praised for ending Nepal’s chronic power cuts, was controversially replaced by the previous Oli administration, fueling public outrage.

Sources confirmed Karki held phone discussions with appointees before finalizing the cabinet. Earlier, senior advocate Savita Bhandari was appointed Attorney General. The cabinet is expected to be lean, with 11 to 15 members overseeing multiple portfolios.

The protests erupted on September 8, with Nepali youth demanding an end to corruption, repression, and social media bans. Security forces responded with water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and in some cases, live ammunition. Curfews were imposed in major cities. The unrest led to the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, violent reprisals, and at least 71 reported deaths.

Sushila Karki was sworn in on September 12 as Nepal’s first female head of government in an interim role to stabilize the country. However, with Gen Z protesters rejecting her cabinet choices, her administration faces a mounting political challenge as Kathmandu’s streets once again become a focal point of unrest.

BOB Post