KATHMANDU: Gen-Z Movement leader Rabi Kiran Hamal has urged the Government of Nepal to immediately open negotiations with Dr. Govinda KC, warning that a responsible democratic government should resolve legitimate public grievances through dialogue before they escalate into protests or hunger strikes.
Dr. KC is scheduled to begin his 24th hunger strike at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday from Krishna Mandir Dharamshala in Dhangadhi, Kailali, accusing the government of repeatedly ignoring previous agreements and failing to address long-standing commitments on health-sector reform and medical education.
Hamal said democratic governments should respond to citizens’ concerns proactively rather than waiting until peaceful protests begin. Allowing grievances to reach the stage of a hunger strike, he argued, reflects a failure of governance rather than effective leadership.
He cautioned that history has consistently shown that ignoring peaceful movements only strengthens them. Citing the lessons of Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk’s peaceful campaign, Hamal said governments must engage in meaningful dialogue and honor their commitments if they wish to maintain public trust.
Dr. KC announced the hunger strike after the government failed to respond before the deadline he had set for addressing his demands. In a statement, he said the government would bear full responsibility for any consequences arising from its continued inaction, adding that he had once again been compelled to resort to a peaceful protest to defend citizens’ right to quality healthcare and accessible medical education.
Among his principal demands is the immediate cancellation of what he describes as unlawful and conflict-of-interest appointments at Dasharath Chand Medical University and the Medical Education Commission. He has also called for amendments to controversial legal provisions, the withdrawal of proposals to reduce scholarships allocated through the Medical Education Commission, and a halt to plans to increase student intake at private medical colleges that fail to meet regulatory standards.
Dr. KC is further demanding full implementation of the National Medical Education Act, 2019 (2075 B.S.), insisting that medical education remain entirely non-profit and that the government faithfully implement all previous written agreements reached with him.
His demands also extend to strengthening healthcare, education, and employment opportunities in Sudurpashchim Province and Nepal’s border regions, arguing that citizens should no longer be forced to rely on neighboring India for essential services. According to Dr. KC, expanding quality public infrastructure within Nepal is essential to safeguarding both citizens’ dignity and national self-respect.
Dr. KC has called for strict legal action against those responsible for the killings and robberies that occurred in Bhadra 2082 B.S. He has also demanded impartial investigations into alleged corruption and criminal misconduct involving politicians and senior public officials who have held office since the 1990 People’s Movement, insisting that anyone found guilty be prosecuted without political interference.
Hamal concluded by urging the government to engage with Dr. KC without delay, fully implement past agreements, and address the structural reforms sought in Nepal’s healthcare and medical education systems before another hunger strike becomes unavoidable.
