KATHMANDU: Nepal is observing Gen-Z Martyrs’ Day today with a nationwide public holiday to honor the young people who lost their lives during last year’s Gen-Z movement.
The movement, which began on August 8 and 9, 2025, triggered a major political upheaval in the country. It resulted in the dissolution of the then government and the formation of an interim government under the leadership of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki.
On this day, 19 people, most of them young protesters, were killed as security forces opened fire on Gen-Z-led demonstrations across the country, turning the day into one of the most tragic chapters in Nepal’s recent political history.
The government declared the public holiday in memory of those who died during the movement. A meeting of the Council of Ministers earlier decided to declare September 8 a nationwide public holiday to commemorate the Gen-Z martyrs.
