In brief
In Nepal, the recent protests against government corruption turned deadly, resulting in the tragic loss of over 70 young lives. Families are left to grieve as questions arise about police accountability. The protests were sparked by a ban on social media, leading many to express their frustration with the country's leadership. As the new interim Prime Minister vows to investigate the violence, affected families demand justice for their loved ones.
Everyone said rubber bullet, rubber bullet. It was not a rubber bullet. If you see my son, his head was broken, a hole is there, said Narendra Shrestha, who lost his 21-year-old son Sulov during the protests that shook Nepal last week. Outside Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, he is filled with sorrow as he recalls the moment he identified his son's body among the many victims of the unrest.The protests began as a reaction to the government's decision to ban major social media platforms, which, combined with deep-seated anger towards government corruption, ignited a massive outcry. Within days, over 70 people lost their lives, and countless were injured when police clashed with demonstrators. Many victims were young, with dreams cut short — aspiring judges, students, and workers.As distraught families gather to claim their loved ones' remains, new interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki faces pressing demands for accountability amidst calls for justice. Who will we live for now? Shrestha mournfully asks, embodying the heartbreak of so many who have lost their family members due to state violence. The situation in Nepal remains tense, as the government pledges to investigate the tragic events.With the nation in turmoil, eyes are turned towards the leadership to restore faith and ensure justice for those affected by these violent clashes.