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On Sept 8 and 9, Nepal witnessed massive GenZ protests against corruption, nepotism, and the abuse of power by the political elites. The movement became both a symbol of hope and a mirror reflecting the nation’s deep-rooted problems. Shreya Shrestha of ApEx spoke to ten youths about their experiences and how their perceptions of the country have evolved before and after the protests.

Prasiddha Prajapati, 21

Before, the whole country was submerged in a sea of corruption. The powerful were abusing power and justice was nowhere to be found. Since the GenZ protests, I feel like I was just a pawn in somebody’s chess board. We were manipulated using our love toward our nation. We were not the actual beneficiaries of the revolution, and seeing these things clearly I don’t feel any difference before and after everything that has happened. Before, we knew exactly who carried the power and now we don’t. 

Astha Basnet, 21

Before the protest, I felt that Nepal was being controlled by a few dominant political parties who misused power in the name of democracy. Independent individuals—whether teachers, journalists, or students—could not express themselves freely. Nepotism and corruption were widespread. When I witnessed school children being shot during the protest, it became clear that the government had lost its moral ground. That moment made me realize the country was no longer in the hands of its people. After the protest, I sensed a slight shift. The appointment of the first female prime minister and the cabinet reforms brought a renewed sense of hope. During recent natural disasters, I could feel the government’s presence and response, which was uncommon before. Although the country has faced economic losses and a rise in hate speech on social media has increased, I believe positive change is possible. The protest began with frustration and led to painful experiences, yet I remain hopeful about Nepal’s future and the emergence of more accountable leadership.

Shristi Dulal, 21

Before the protest, the country’s situation was challenging and unstable, marked by widespread injustice, corruption, lack of rule of law, and poor management. After the protest, while I saw some signs of people becoming more united and raising their voices for their rights, the overall outcome has been disappointing. The GenZ protesters did not demonstrate a sense of peace or unity. They failed to maintain solidarity or present a clear, effective agenda. They were unable to manage the situation properly or make decisions that could benefit the country. Many lives were lost during that time, and the protests lacked organization and effective leadership. Although the courage and participation of the public were inspiring, there is still a lot to be done to achieve lasting positive change.

Jayant Mishra, 23

Revolution is always violent and destructive. I feel now our country has come up with new effective and efficient leaders to lead our country. The current cabinet ministers are well qualified for their position so now we can hope our country will become peaceful and happy.

Rohit Chettri, 24

Before the protest, I felt frustrated and disappointed about the state of our country. It seemed like the government wasn’t listening to the people, and many citizens were struggling to make ends meet. I often felt that no matter what we did, nothing would change. When the protest started I was still doubtful that things would change. But when I saw all people from around the country speaking for rights, I felt a strong sense of hope. Seeing passionate and brave youths made me realize the power of collective action. After the protest, I felt more hopeful and aware. Even though we suffered a great loss of lives and property, I am relieved that this protest did not go in vain. I now believe that our voices matter and that unity can pressure leaders to act responsibly.

Rikesh Shilpakar, 24

Before the protest we couldn’t do and say anything about the government—even if we knew about its corrupt practices. That has changed after the protest. Now, the public opinions are heard and acknowledged. However, the main individuals who were involved in corruption are still roaming freely. Not much has changed in reality.

Muna Shrestha, 24

Before the protest, everything felt normal people were living their life even though there were problems all over the country. But now, I feel like everything has changed. Young people, who didn't know about politics, started to get interested in politics. I myself started to keep up with the news and events. People are more aware about corruption. As for the politicians, they are trying to rise again. Still, I think a big shift has happened after the protest.

Mimamsha Dhungel, 25

The protest was for a noble cause, though the unprecedented chaos that unfolded afterward was deeply regrettable. Before the protest, the country’s situation was pathetic. We had those same leaders, peddling the same empty promises. They were engaged in an endless game of power struggle. But the protest brought a wave of change. It showed that young people are no longer willing to stay silent. With new and qualified individuals in the interim government, there is a sense of optimism. I am rooting for the elections to happen on time. Still, these are uncertain times. The energy that sparked the protest is powerful, but sustaining it responsibly will be our biggest challenge.

Prakash Lama, 28

Before the protest, things seemed systematic on the surface, but corruption was everywhere. The government worked one-sidedly, ignoring public needs. Education was weak, opportunities scarce, and youth potential wasted. After the protest, I feel the demand for change has become stronger. The government can’t fix everything overnight, but it can use this time wisely. The youth have sent a strong message. They are ready to stand for their rights.

Gaman Shrestha, 28
Earlier, I believed our country was finally changing for the better. But seeing Sushila continue the same old system left me angry and disappointed. Sometimes I think Durga Prasai’s movement might actually be necessary. It also feels like Sudan Gurung betrayed the people. Still, I hold on to a bit of hope. Maybe a new leader will rise and bring genuine change. People might improve too; who knows? For now, we just have to wait and see

The new sugarcane crop has sprouted in the fields, but farmers are still waiting for the subsidy payment for the previous harvest. According to Shyambabu Ray, coordinator of the Central Sugarcane Struggle Committee, the government has yet to address the demands of sugarcane farmers who staged a protest in Kathmandu a month ago. The aggrieved farmers complain that even the government led by Sushila Karki has shown little seriousness in responding to their concerns.

Naresh Singh Kushwaha, a farmer leader from Mahottari, said that the delay in receiving the subsidy has spoiled the Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath festivals for many farmers. Before Dashain, the protesting farmers had met with the newly appointed Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Madan Pariyar, urging him to release the pending subsidy for last year’s sugarcane. Although Minister Pariyar had assured them that the payment would be made soon, Ray told ApEx that the government has not released the funds even after the major festivals have passed.

“Last year’s sugarcane subsidy remains unpaid. Even though the new government has promised to release it, there’s no sign of when that will actually happen,” Ray said.

According to the committee, sugarcane farmers are still owed Rs 755m in subsidies for the fiscal year 2024/25. Last year, a total of 21.572m quintals of sugarcane were sold to 13 sugar mills across the country. The government had announced a subsidy of Rs 70 per quintal for sugarcane cultivation, meaning farmers should have received Rs 1.515bn in total.

However, the then KP Sharma Oli government reduced the subsidy by half, citing a budget deficit, and decided to provide only Rs 35 per quintal. In response, farmers launched a Kathmandu-centric protest. Following the agitation, the Ministry of Finance released Rs 754m—covering the reduced amount—but farmers continue to demand the full Rs 70 per quintal promised earlier.

Mahashankar Thing, a central member of the Sugarcane Producers Federation, said the government has not shown any seriousness toward their demands. He noted that the government has been allocating funds for sugarcane subsidies under the national budget since 2008.

“We are not asking for handouts,” Thing said. “We are only demanding the rightful value of our labor, in exchange for the VAT that the government has already exempted on agricultural products.”

The Westerly wind has its partial influence over Nepal at present, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division.

The Division stated that the weather will be generally cloudy in the hilly areas of the country including Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim Provinces while it will be partly cloudy in the remaining areas this afternoon.

Similarly, there are chances of light to moderate rainfall and snowfall at a few places in the hilly region of Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces, and at one or two places in the hilly region of the rest of the provinces. There is a possibility of light rainfall at one or two places of the Tarai region of Lumbini and Sudurpaschim Provinces.

The Division stated in a press release today that the weather will be generally cloudy in the hilly areas of the country including Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini Provinces, while the weather in the rest of the areas will be partly cloudy.

There is a possibility of moderate rainfall and snowfall in some places of the hilly and mountainous areas of Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces and in one or two other hilly areas, the Division said.

Three tourists died while four others sustained injuries and eight went missing after being hit by an avalanche in the Rolwaling area.

A team of 15 people had gone to climb the 5,630-meter Yalung Ri mountain in the Rolwaling area of ​​Gaurishankar Rural Municipality-9 in Dolakha on October 28.

They were hit by an avalanche at around 8 am on Monday, said DSP Gyan Kumar Mahato of the District Police Office. Dolakha.

After climbing Yalung Ri, they were preparing to climb Dolma Khang Himal in the Rolwaling area situated at an altitude of 6,000 meters, it has been learnt.

Two persons, who were preparing to climb Dolma Khang, had stayed at Na Village, according to locals.

The locals knew about the disappearance of the tourists only around 10 am. 

Friends of the missing climbers had said that although a helicopter was called, it did not arrive on time.

The local administration has granted permission to the Heli Everest to fly in the restricted area to rescue them.

DSP Mahato also informed that efforts are being made by the teams from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police to rescue them.