As the death toll from Nepal’s Gen Z protests rose to 51, Kathmandu mayor Balen Shah on Friday paid tribute to those killed, calling their sacrifices a turning point for the country’s future.“Dear Gen Z, your contributions and sacrifices have brought change to the country. Heartfelt tribute to the brave martyrs. Your contributions are invaluable, which will forever guide future generations on the path of patriotism and duty. Infinite respect to you all. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” Shah wrote on social media in Nepali.The Nepal’s ministry of health and population said 51 people have died in the demonstrations that began on September 8. Thirty were killed by gunshots, while 21 died from burns, wounds, and other injuries.Nepal Police co-spokesperson Ramesh Thapa said the dead included one Indian national and three police personnel.Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj has received 36 bodies. Post-mortem examinations began on Friday, and the hospital has started releasing bodies after autopsies.The protests, led mainly by young demonstrators in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, started after the government banned several social media platforms, citing tax revenue and cybersecurity concerns.Authorities have imposed curfews in several cities, including Kathmandu. Nepal’s Parliament was dissolved late Friday, a few hours after former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as the country’s interim prime minister.The decision was made at Karki’s first cabinet meeting held at 11pm. The President’s Office said fresh elections to the House of Representatives will be held on March 5, 2026.““Honourable President Shri Ram Chandra Poudel, as per the recommendation of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Sushila Karki, has dissolved the current House of Representatives with effect from 11:00 PM on Friday, Bhadra 27, 2082 BS. The date for the election of the new House of Representatives has been fixed as Thursday, Falgun 21, 2082 BS (i.e. 5 March 2026),” the statement said.Earlier on Friday, Karki took oath at Sheetal Niwas, the presidential residence in Kathmandu, becoming Nepal’s first woman prime minister.Her appointment followed the resignation of KP Sharma Oli earlier this week after weeks of protests led by Gen Z activists demanding political accountability.The President’s Office said the new cabinet has been asked to restore order and prepare for elections.
