Govt declares victims of Gen Z protest as martyrs

KATHMANDU: The government has decided to declare those who lost their lives during the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9 as martyrs.

The first meeting of the newly formed Council of Ministers, held on Monday, decided to honor the deceased with national respect by draping the national flag over the body during their funeral rites, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal said.

The cabinet also declared September 17 a day of mourning to honor the victims. The government has announced a nationwide public holiday on that day.

Likewise, the government has decided to provide a compensation of Rs 1.5 million to all the martyrs of the Gen Z movement.

The Ministry of Finance will release the funds to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which will then distribute the amount through respective District Administration Offices, according to Aryal.

The meeting also decided to provide free medical treatment for the injured, free transportation of bodies to their hometowns, and provide funeral expenses.

To investigate the loss of lives, damage to property and excesses during the protests, the cabinet has decided in principle to form a high-level probe commission under the coordination of a former Supreme Court judge. The government will take necessary action based on the commission’s report, Aryal said.

In addition, the government has decided to construct a “Gen-Z Awakening Memorial Park” in memory of those martyrs.

The cabinet also decided to return all pending proposals tabled at the previous cabinet meeting back to their respective ministries for review.