For days, questions have circled about who is really leading Nepal’s Gen Z protests. This week, at the Reporters’ Club in Kathmandu, the answer came into sharper focus. In an emotionally charged press conference facilitated by journalist Rishi Dhamala, Sudan Gurung, chairperson of the NGO Hami Nepal, appeared at the forefront — giving perhaps the clearest articulation yet of what the youth movement stands for.
Though Gurung described himself simply as a “volunteer,” his words carried the urgency, frustration, and hope of an entire generation. His voice, tired but firm, reflected a movement that has grown beyond scattered demonstrations into a historic political moment.
“Why Should We Be Shot for Asking Change?”
Sudan began by describing the sleepless nights he has endured since the protests turned violent. He questioned the morality of the state’s response:
“Why should we be shot when we asked for change? We only wanted good governance. Did the police even think for a second before firing at 17- and 18-year-old youngsters?”
For him, the violence was not just institutional; it was deeply personal. He revealed that his own jacket still carries blood stains from the protests, a haunting reminder of lives lost. The pain in his words underscored a sense of betrayal: that the state, which should have protected its youth, instead met them with bullets.
A Volunteer, Not a Politician
Sudhan emphasized that he is not a career politician, but a grassroots volunteer who has worked directly in communities. He admitted feeling emotionally overwhelmed: “So much has happened, I am struggling even to process it.”
Yet, even in vulnerability, he projected resolve. He vowed accountability for every life lost:
“I will not spare anyone. Whether old or powerful, it does not matter. We will pay back for every drop of blood shed.”
His words captured both grief and defiance — a duality that has fueled the movement’s momentum.
Escape in Nature, Pain in Reality
In a rare personal reflection, Sudan described how he seeks refuge in Nepal’s natural beauty when overwhelmed. He spoke about visiting the hills, gazing at the Himalayas, and marveling at the country’s scenic landscapes. But upon returning to daily life, the contrast leaves him devastated.
He pointed to brothers and sisters leaving the country for foreign employment, hospitals like Dharan’s lacking even a basic MRI machine, and elderly citizens forced to queue for hours just to obtain national ID cards.
“We live in a picturesque country,” he said, “but corruption has destroyed the dignity of its people.”
This juxtaposition — of beauty and despair — illustrated the stakes of the Gen Z movement: reclaiming a nation rich in potential but weakened by systemic failure.
Criticism of Media and Political Silence
Sudan also issued a sharp rebuke to journalists and political parties.
To the media, he said:
“Rather than reporting on personal scandals, use your power to build the nation. I never realized the media had so much power until now.”
To the political establishment, his words were equally direct: Why, he asked, are parties not supporting the movement? He pointed out the hypocrisy of party politics where individuals must pay heavily for election tickets:
“If you are capable, wouldn’t the people give you the ticket themselves?”
This frustration reflects a widespread disillusionment with Nepal’s traditional political actors, many of whom have remained silent or cautious as the Gen Z protests escalate.
A New Kind of Politics
Importantly, Sudan clarified what the Gen Z movement does not want. Despite speculation, he insisted that young activists are not seeking to seize power overnight.
“We are just students, just volunteers. We lack the expertise to run the country. We will not enter the cabinet. But we will be watchdogs.”
He outlined a plan to consult experts from various fields to refine demands and recommend competent individuals for government roles. At the heart of this vision is zero tolerance for corruption: any wrongdoing, he promised, will be met with immediate accountability.
Demands on the Table
Sudan reiterated the movement’s key demands:
- Resignation of the President
- Dissolution of Parliament
- Retention of the Constitution with gradual amendments as needed
This careful balance — radical in its calls for leadership change, but cautious in preserving constitutional order — signals a maturing strategy. It mirrors similar generational movements worldwide, where youth reject corruption but avoid destabilizing foundational institutions.
The Power of Unity
Another striking theme in Sudan’s address was unity. He called on the youth wings of existing political parties, as well as civil society groups, to join forces:
“We are all brothers. Now is the time to stand together. We have the power. Let’s prove this was the right move.”
In a political culture often fractured along partisan lines, this appeal to solidarity may prove to be one of the most transformative aspects of the Gen Z movement.
Context and Significance
The Gen Z protests, initially triggered by the government’s social media ban, have spiraled into a broader reckoning with corruption, inequality, and state legitimacy. Violence on September 9 left multiple young protesters dead, while government buildings and police stations were attacked. Authorities maintain that “reactionary elements” infiltrated the demonstrations, but public sympathy remains strong for the youth.
Sudan Gurung’s emergence as a visible representative offers clarity amid chaos. His speech not only humanized the grievances but also outlined a roadmap that balances idealism with realism. By acknowledging limits — “we are not ready to govern yet” — while demanding systemic accountability, he has helped reposition Gen Z as both protestors and partners in change.
Looking Ahead
The coming days will determine whether Sudan’s call for unity and accountability can translate into political reform. Dialogue with the President, as proposed by other leaders, may provide one avenue. But the government’s response to demands — particularly on resignation and parliament dissolution — will be decisive.
For now, what is clear is that Nepal’s Gen Z has found its voice. And in Sudan Gurung, it may have found a reluctant but compelling leader — one whose emotional honesty resonates with a generation that refuses to be silenced.
📌 This is a developing story. Further updates expected as Gen Z leadership refines demands and the state responds to rising public pressure.
Also read: Prachanda’s Open Letter to Gen Z — full translation and analysis
Former PM KP Sharma Oli Pens Open Letter After Resignation, Appeals to Gen Z
