Nepal's injured Gen Z protest victims call for justice

FILE PHOTO: A riot police officer loads his gun while guarding the parliament during the protest against anti-corruption triggered by a social media ban, in Kathmandu, Nepal, September 8, 2025. Survivors of the September demonstrations continue to battle severe injuries while calling for the arrest of those responsible and government action to ensure accountability. - Reuters

KATHMANDU: Forty-eight-year-old Geeta Sah lay in agony in the plastic surgery ward of Kathmandu Medical College in Sinamangal, her body scarred by burns. More than six weeks had passed since she was admitted. Though her wounds were slowly healing, the trauma of that day continued to torment her.

During the Gen Z protest on September 9, Geeta stepped out of her watch and eyewear shop in Koteshwar. At first, the situation seemed calm, but chaos quickly erupted. Protesters violently attacked police officers. Seeing them beaten and bleeding, Geeta rushed forward, pleading with the crowd to stop. In that moment, someone hurled acid meant for the police—it struck her instead. The burns covered her right hand, leg, and abdomen. The memory continues to haunt her.