On Wednesday, after a full day of deliberations, representatives of the Gen Z movement coalesced around Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first woman chief justice, as their pick for the leader of the interim government.

But tensions flared in the evening when some youth groups gathered outside Jangi Adda, the Nepali Army headquarters in Bhadrakali, Kathmandu, demanding alternatives such as Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang or Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah. Gen Z representatives were in discussion with Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel at Jangi Adda.

Hami Nepal, a group that is at the forefront of the Gen Z movement, sought to restore order by stressing on social media that even Shah supported the decision to put forward Karki. The group’s announcement calmed the situation.

But on Thursday, the decision was clouded by misinformation, street clashes between unidentified groups and competing claims about who truly speaks for Gen Z.

The situation worsened when a press release under the name ‘Gen Z Nepal’ began circulating online, claiming the movement had switched its support to Kulman Ghising, the widely popular former managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority credited with ending loadshedding in the country.

The statement was later revealed to be fake, produced by a newly created page that sought to cash in on the ‘Gen Z’ name.

As the day unfolded, videos appeared on digital platforms purporting to show Gen Z activists clashing at Sundhara, near the Nepali Army head office and in other locations. Captions claimed the youth were “Gen Z fighting amongst themselves.”

The footage sparked concerns online, with critics calling the Gen Z movement divided and reckless.

Aastha Subedi, a Gen Z activist, defended the movement and said the videos did not show genuine Gen Z members.

Gen Z, as of 2025, includes people aged 13 to 28, Subedi explained. “I urge everyone to actually watch those videos circulating online titled ‘Gen Z fighting amongst themselves’ or ‘Gen Z burning buildings’,” she said. “It’s clear those involved do not belong to the generation Z. This movement has been infiltrated by opportunistic groups and outside forces.”

She warned against dismissing the broader cause of the movement. “Let’s not discredit Gen Z or this movement,” she said. “It started with something bigger—a brave step toward change. Yes, the protests escalated due to opportunistic and vigilante political groups, and we have lost so much. But this is precisely why we must now stay focused and not allow forces with their own agendas to smear Gen Z’s name.”

Other Gen Z Nepalis echoed that message.

“Several digital platforms and media outlets are portraying these actions as the work of Gen Z,” said Aditya Khare, a Bachelor’s-level journalism student. “This is why critical, responsible reporting is essential right now, to separate the genuine movement from those exploiting it.”

Rehan Raj Dangal, spokesperson for Hami Nepal, denied the group’s involvement in any of the street clashes.

He said Gen Z representatives are working to unify Gen Z voices online and dismissed claims of infighting, erratic leadership, or anti-constitution agendas as false conspiracies spread by opportunistic groups at a time of national uncertainty.

Dangal also denied accusations that Gen Z representatives were angling for government positions, saying it was not true. He noted that Sudan Gurung, their leader, had already made it clear they would not be part of the new government.

Subedi also defended the much-mocked Discord discussions organised by Hami Nepal that have spawned memes online. “I understand there is a digital divide and not everyone is familiar with Discord,” Subedi said. “But tell me, when have we ever seen such open discussions where 100,000 Gen Z members sat together debating who should be the prime minister?”

Subedi added that not everyone may possess the legal or constitutional knowledge or find the right words to express themselves, yet they are united by a common goal of driving change and empowering the right leadership.

At a press meet at the Reporters’ Club Nepal, Gurung, the Hami Nepal chief, reiterated the group’s mission.

“We are working tirelessly with the dream of building the nation, and choosing the right representation for our country,” Gurung said. “But right now, several opportunistic forces are pushing their own agendas.”

Hami Nepal had issued a statement at 11 am Thursday, urging people to stay home, clarifying that protests at Maitighar and elsewhere were not organised by any Gen Z group but by external groups and reaffirmed their support for Karki.

“Politics is supposed to be about working for the welfare of the country, but what kind of politics are we seeing here?” Gurung added at the press meet.

He closed with a call for solidarity. “We need unity and support from every citizen,” he said. “This is the time to come together and work to build the country, not tear it apart.”

Anjali Shah, a Gen Z law student and activist, also dismissed videos suggesting fist fights and altercations.

She acknowledged that while differences in opinions exist among Gen Z representatives, no actual fights are taking place. “Diverse opinions are a normal part of democracy, especially when groups representing thousands come together to discuss,” she said.

For now, the Gen Z representatives have said they remain united behind Karki. But rampant misinformation and the ease with which outsiders appear able to claim the ‘Gen Z’ name underline the challenges facing a leaderless, decentralised youth uprising.

Whether the movement can maintain cohesion in the weeks ahead, and whether it can withstand the political forces trying to co-opt it, will determine if its calls for change translate into lasting influence.

Gen Z activists like Subedi also say that the movement urgently needs impartial guidance from experts with legal and constitutional knowledge.