Buddhi Bahadur Tamang, a 41-year-old resident of Tistung, Makawanpur was shot dead on September 8 during the Gen Z protests in Kathmandu. A father of two teenage sons aged 14 and 17, he had joined the demonstrations demanding an end to corruption, despite never being affiliated with any political party.

Known for his gentle manner and honesty, Buddhi ran a small café in Boudha. He was also the main support for his elderly father, Bishnu Bahadur Tamang.

The news of his death left his father devastated. “It felt like the sky had fallen,” he said, recalling how their final meeting had taken place only that same morning at home.

Before leaving for the protests, Buddhi had repeated one of his favourite sayings: martyrs always put the nation before their families.

He often remembered historic figures like Lakhan Thapa Magar, Shukraraj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Gangalal Shrestha and Dasharath Chand, who sacrificed their lives against tyranny.

His father said Buddhi had never taken part in party-led movements before, but this time he felt compelled to stand with ordinary citizens. “He had no personal interest—only the hope of real change,” Bishnu Bahadur said.

In grief, he demanded that the government honour his son’s sacrifice. “The state must take full responsibility for his family. We are poor labourers, but we have never sold our souls for money. My son shed blood for the nation, not for himself,” he said.

Buddhi’s wife has been left distraught, whispering through tears that the family’s dream of educating their children to become doctors or engineers has been shattered. “Now only days of suffering lie ahead,” she said.

His death adds to the growing toll of the Gen Z protests, which have drawn thousands of citizens into the streets and triggered clashes with security forces last week.