Hundreds of people gathered in Auckland’s Aotea Square on Tuesday evening to mourn those killed in Nepal’s anti-corruption protests, which have reportedly left more than 20 dead and hundreds injured, RNZ reported.
The protests were initially sparked by the Nepalese government’s decision to ban 26 social media apps but quickly escalated into a broader movement against corruption, nepotism, and political elites. On Tuesday, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned amid mounting public pressure and nationwide unrest.
In Kathmandu, demonstrators set fire to parliament, while government buildings and the homes of political leaders were also attacked. Nepal’s army chief later issued a statement accusing protesters of looting and setting fire to both public and private property during the turmoil.
Speaking at the Auckland vigil, Sanjay Shanti Subedi told RNZ the movement was largely driven by young people and students.
“The protest back home is led by Gen Z, young people and students against corruption, nepotism and economic failure,” he said.
“It was triggered by the ban after years of corruption and nepotism by political elites in Nepal. After the monarchy transitioned to democracy, people were very dissatisfied by political parties and their leaders, so this was a long time coming.”
Although the government lifted the social media ban on Monday, demonstrations had already grown into Nepal’s largest mass movement in decades.
Roshan Khadka, president of the New Zealand Nepal Society, which organised the vigil, told RNZ the community wanted to stand in solidarity with those suffering back home.
“The Nepalese diaspora is very saddened by the situation back home,” Khadka said.
“We decided to hold a gathering for those who lost their lives in Nepal, and the community came together [at] short notice.”
Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008 after years of civil war and introduced a new constitution in 2015. While Prime Minister Oli’s resignation may have eased some tensions, Subedi said it would likely not be enough to satisfy protesters.
“They expect more, and they want to see a change. They want a government that is not corrupt,” he said.
He also warned the resignation could deepen political instability amid uncertainty over new leadership. Khadka, meanwhile, urged calm:
“We want new leaders, maybe … from the younger generation. It is time for dialogue. We want the violence to end, but we also understand the feelings of the protesters back home.”