One Year Later: Survivors Reflect on the Legacy of Nepal's 2025 Youth-Led Protests

• September 8, 2026, marks the first anniversary of Nepal's Gen-Z Martyrs' Day, reflecting on the 2025 nationwide protests and the ongoing struggle for accountability.
• The 2025 uprising, sparked by social media restrictions, quickly evolved into a nationwide movement against government corruption and inefficiency.

Escalation and Impact

• The protests resulted in 19 deaths and hundreds of injuries due to the disproportionate use of force by police.
• Participants including students and civilians faced life-altering physical and psychological trauma.

Survivor Stories

• Liza Adhikari: A student shot by an SLR bullet while near the Parliament Secretariat; she has since undergone complex nerve surgery in India and faces an uncertain recovery path.
• Shantanu Dhakal: An 18-year-old protestor who sustained severe jaw and chest injuries from gunfire; he continues to deal with physical limitations and lingering trauma while pursuing an engineering degree.
• Riya: A police officer injured by stones during the protests, highlighting that trauma affected both protestors and security personnel on duty.

Accountability and Legal Status

• A government-led inquiry commission had recommended legal action against high-level officials, including former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.
• A subsequent July 2026 review panel ruled that evidence was insufficient to pursue criminal charges, leaving the path to justice stalled and politically contested.