The only common link between protestors was our age group and collective discontent towards corruption. This was not a movement started by a leader; we did not follow anybody. It got an organic momentum as all of us resonated with it. Thus, the question of leadership is urgent but complicated. I am as perplexed as anybody regarding who should lead this movement and get a seat at the table representing us. However, what I do know for certain is who must not represent us: Those people with vested political interests and affiliations with the student union and any fraternal organisations of the party.

-Pradikshya KC

The nation witnessed unprecedented events in the span of a couple of days. The nationwide protest led by Gen Z took a different turn after the killing of as many as 19 people on September 8. In response to this brutal move by the Oli-led government, enraged protestors of all ages hit the streets with malicious intentions and burned structures. The problem with Gen Z is that this generation has no concrete plan and lacks enough competence to take the lead. Everything happened so swiftly, leaving the nation with no time for a smooth leadership transition. Whoever it may be, Nepal should stop looking for a leader straight out of a Hindi movie like Nayak.

-Sugam Gautam

Witnessing the destruction of the peaceful country I left behind just two weeks ago feels unreal. Especially since the only evidence I have of its collapse is my mobile screen. I knew some kind of revolution for the nation was on the way, but no one could have guessed that it would unfold in the course of two days. Belonging to Generation Z myself, I know that this kind of utter mismanagement was never what we wanted. Moreover, the vague coverage from the international press is saddening, because it makes me question whether international journalism has become little more than a marketing strategy. However, it is high time we recognise the difference between becoming a bir and a buddhu and take the next step critically. We are in a state of political emergency, thus a big question mark remains: Do we take a step back towards authoritarianism or march ahead towards a systematically built nation?

- Risheka Joshi

The protest was clearly hijacked. Until noon, it was peaceful—then something changed. Gen Z alone wouldn’t plan attacks on government buildings; a third party exploited their name. This is a turning point. Where is our nation headed? What about its people? We now need a transparent, people-led government—not one filled with corruption. Leaders like Rabi Lamichhane must be held accountable. They cannot benefit from chaos. It’s time for fair, capable individuals like Balen, Kulman and Sushila Karki to step forward. Real change starts with responsible leadership.

- Binu Poudel

(These views were either mailed to us or expressed in our various social media handles.)