Nepal’s Interim Government and representatives of the Gen-Z People’s Movement signed a 10-point agreement on Wednesday evening, marking a significant step toward political reconciliation after weeks of unrest. However, the signing took place amid visible internal fractures within the youth-led movement.
The agreement was finalised at the Prime Minister’s Office in Kathmandu between multiple Gen-Z factions — the Gen-Z Movement Alliance, the Council of Gen-Z led by Sudan Gurung, the Gen-Z Front led by Rakshya Bom, and several splinter groups. The absence of the President during the finalisation of the deal raised concerns among some members, who questioned its legitimacy.
Tensions escalated during the meeting when one dissenting faction ripped up the draft agreement, protesting moments after the leaders had signed the document.
Key Commitments in the 10-Point Deal
The agreement includes provisions to:
- Honour the families of those declared martyrs
- Provide relief, medical care, and education support to the injured
- Establish a high-level commission to investigate violent incidents during recent protests
- Strengthen anti-corruption bodies and reduce political interference in state institutions
Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki said the agreement marked an important milestone in Nepal’s transition.
“The struggle has continued since September 8 and 9. Today, by reaching this agreement, we have completed one step of this struggle. The martyrs and injured will gain recognition for their efforts,” Karki said.
Under the agreement, those killed during the Gen-Z protests of September 8 and 9 will be officially declared martyrs. Their families will receive relief packages, while injured protestors will be entitled to free healthcare, education opportunities, employment support, and social security benefits.
A Martyrs’ Memorial Foundation will also be established to honour those who died during the movement — a move welcomed by Gen-Z leaders who view it as long-awaited recognition.
Political and Constitutional Reforms on the Table
The deal includes a commitment to probe alleged human rights violations during the protests and take action against those responsible. Many demonstrators had accused police of excessive force, a concern validated by post-mortem reports showing bullet wounds to the head and chest. Nepal’s police rules only permit firing below the knee for crowd control, leading to widespread outrage and the resignation of former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.
To address broader governance concerns, the government will also establish a high-level commission to recommend constitutional reforms. Its focus areas include:
- Enhancing proportional representation
- Expanding youth participation in politics
- Introducing the NOTA (None of the Above) voting option
- Implementing primary elections
- Lowering the minimum candidacy age to 21
A new Gen-Z Council will also be created to advise the government on democratic reforms and youth engagement.
Background: A Uprising That Reshaped Nepal’s Politics
The Gen-Z uprising of September 8 and 9 — which erupted over systemic corruption, unemployment, and political stagnation — resulted in at least 76 deaths. The violent crackdown triggered national outrage and forced former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign after initially resisting calls to step down.
Nepal’s parliament was subsequently dissolved, and after five days of negotiations, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed Interim Prime Minister. She is now responsible for overseeing the country’s next general election, scheduled for March 5, 2026.
With political uncertainty still looming and internal divisions within the Gen-Z movement unresolved, Nepal faces an uphill journey toward stability in the months ahead.