Kathmandu, Sept 14 (HS): Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Sunday, immediately after assuming office, announced her first major decision—granting martyr status to young protesters who lost their lives in police firing during the September 8 demonstrations. She also declared financial assistance of 1 million Nepali rupees each to the families of the deceased.

Addressing the nation from Singha Durbar after formally taking charge, Karki said her first signed order was to recognize the slain students as martyrs. She further announced that the government would bear the entire medical expenses of those injured in the protests. The Prime Minister also assured that arrangements would be made by state authorities to deliver the bodies of the deceased to their respective hometowns.

The protests erupted after the former Oli government imposed a controversial ban on 26 social media platforms, sparking outrage among Nepal’s youth. Organized under the banner of “Gen-Z,” thousands of students took to the streets of Kathmandu and other cities, denouncing both the social media restrictions and widespread corruption.

What began as peaceful protests escalated into violent clashes after security forces opened fire, leaving at least 19 dead and more than 300 injured. Most of the victims were school and college students. The deadly crackdown drew sharp criticism from across the world, fueling nationwide anger. Agitated student groups targeted political leaders, ministers, and their residences in widespread demonstrations. The intensity of the unrest ultimately forced the Oli government to step down.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar