Kathmandu, Sept. 8: Rabi Lamichhane, chairperson of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has described the Gen Z movement of a year ago as an eruption of a new awakening.

In a statement issued on Gen Z Martyrs’ Day, Lamichhane recalled how young people were compelled to take to the streets against the frustration created by decades of entrenched corruption, political patronage, institutional incompetence, restrictions on citizens’ fundamental rights and a lack of opportunities.

“For those of us who established a party without shedding a single drop of blood, seeing the blood of young people shed when they raised their voices for change was the most painful moment. What happened in this country on Bhadra 23 and 24 must never happen again. I pray that no mother will ever lose her child again in this country in the name of change,” he said. “I pay heartfelt tribute to all the immortal martyrs who lost their lives while raising their voices for citizens’ rights, the rule of law and a corruption-free society. I also extend my heartfelt tribute to the brave police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.”

Lamichhane also wished those injured during the movement a speedy recovery. He said a generation that was often described as having no interest in politics took to the streets and rejected traditional political practices. He said the RSP has now been placed in a position to answer every question that young people raised from the streets. He also pledged that the party would not deviate even an inch from the path charted by the Gen Z movement.