The government has announced two major decisions to formally recognise those who died during the Gen Z protests. At the Cabinet meeting held on December 1, Monday, it was decided that the families of the declared martyrs will be given official identity cards. These cards will be provided to parents, spouses, and unmarried sons and daughters of the victims.
The government has also decided to observe September 8 as ‘Gen Z Martyr Day’ every year. This date reflects the main day of the protests. Earlier in November, the government officially recognised 45 people who died during the movement as ‘martyrs.’ In total, 76 individuals, most of them young students, lost their lives during or shortly after the demonstrations on September 8 and 9.
Government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel announced the decisions at the Cabinet meeting at Singha Durbar. Kharel stated that the annual observance and the identity cards are intended to formally honour the victims and acknowledge the loss faced by their families.
The announcement of a national Memorial Day, along with the identity cards, is meant to serve lasting reminder of the events surrounding the Gen Z protests. The decision aims to ensure that the contributions and sacrifices of those who died are properly recognised by the state.
