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, laments Narendra Shrestha, mourning the loss of his son, Sulov, who died in the protests that erupted against government corruption in Nepal. The young demonstrators, full of hope and ambition, have become victims in a struggle for justice as their voices were met with violence.
Over 70 individuals lost their lives, and thousands were injured during the demonstrations in Kathmandu. The events unfolded following a controversial government ban on social media platforms, igniting a surge of pent-up frustration among the youth. Protests escalated quickly, with demonstrators targeting government buildings and officials, resulting in a chaotic confrontation with police.
Eyewitness accounts reveal police allegedly used live ammunition against protestors. While authorities have promised an investigation into the clashes, families like Shrestha's are grappling with their grief and demanding accountability. The bereaved family members are left to navigate the unbearable loss of their children, many of whom had dreams and aspirations.
Rasik KC, another victim's uncle, expressed his desire for justice: We want justice for Rashik Khatiwada, who was also shot in the protests, as the anguish of losing him grows. The voices of the families, demanding answers and accountability, are a growing chorus in a nation yearning for reform and transparency.
As Nepal seeks to regain a sense of stability, the drive for accountability and justice for those harmed during the protests looms larger than ever, while the new interim government faces the formidable task of rebuilding trust with an outraged populace.
