RSP Whip Krantishikha Questions Gen Z Memorial Event: ‘Were the Martyrs Remembered or Disrespected?’

Dragon Media Correspondent

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Whip Krantishikha Dhital has expressed strong dissatisfaction with a memorial program organized in New Baneshwar to mark the first anniversary of the Gen Z movement, questioning whether the event genuinely honored the martyrs and injured protesters.

The Gen Z Martyrs’ Welfare Society organized the program in front of the old parliament building in New Baneshwar in the presence of Home Minister Sudhan Gurung. Dhital said the structure and presentation of the event failed to reflect the emotions and suffering of families who lost their children and of those who continue to live with injuries sustained during the movement.

Writing on Facebook, Dhital questioned the design of the stage, the presence of religious leaders and the overall character of the ceremony.

“I do not know why the stage was set up that way. What was the purpose of the religious leaders who were there? I do not know how that program addressed the pain of the families who lost their children, or what those who still carry the wounds of the movement understood from it,” she wrote.

Dhital also questioned why those who had previously amplified the Gen Z voice and continuously scrutinized government actions failed to intervene when they believed the memorial program was being organized in an inappropriate manner.

“Those who carried forward the voice of Gen Z and constantly questioned the government, why could they not intervene today and say that the program should not be held this way?” she asked.

She argued that one of the most troubling developments over the past year has been a declining willingness to understand what other people are feeling. Her criticism suggested that political change loses meaning when those who gain influence become insensitive to the pain, criticism and concerns of others.

Dhital also recalled that protesters had taken to the streets last year demanding press freedom, protection of democratic rights and restraint from those in power. She questioned what she described as a growing tendency to use threats and warnings against critics after reaching positions of authority.

Her remarks were also directed at Home Minister Gurung, who, according to Dhital’s account, publicly told journalists at the program to “improve” themselves.

“Was it not us who took to the streets last year saying that the press should be free, power should not become authoritarian and everyone should remain within the limits of their respective roles?” she asked. “We questioned the state. We asked those in power to remain humble. Why are we now using the language of threats and warnings against those who question us?”

Dhital further questioned whether only others were expected to change while those exercising political authority were exempt from self-correction.

“Should only others improve while we do not have to? Was this the day for which the great martyrs made their sacrifice?” she asked.

She also criticized abusive reactions on social media against people who raise uncomfortable questions. Before directing insults at others, she said, people should imagine their own mothers, sisters or family members being placed in the same situation.

“Questions will now begin to come from our own people. Will you sit waiting for someone’s status and then start abusing everyone? How many people do you insult every day before going to sleep? Before using abusive language, do you not imagine your own mother or sisters in their place?” she wrote.

Dhital’s criticism goes beyond the organization of a single memorial ceremony. It raises broader questions about whether the political culture that emerged from the Gen Z movement is remaining faithful to its original demands for accountability, press freedom, tolerance of criticism, humility in government and sensitivity toward martyrs, injured protesters and their families.

Summing up her criticism, Dhital posed a pointed question: “Were the Gen Z martyrs remembered, or were they disrespected?”