The air hung heavy and the grief was palpable as members of the Nepali community gathered in cities and towns across the country and lit candles and lamps in memory of the young people killed in the ongoing protests in Nepal.

The protests (dubbed "Gen Z protests") in Nepal started on Monday in Kathmandu and urban centres across Nepal. A social media ban that took effect over the weekend triggered massive rallies that saw a huge number of youth, including many in school uniforms take to the streets protesting what they called the government's corrupt practices and its efforts to silence freedom of speech and expression.

At least 19 people were killed in the police firing outside a government building in Kathmandu. Some media outlets in Nepal have reported upto 22.

"The killing of so many young people has left us speechless. Our hearts go out to the families of those who were killed along with those who were injured," said Dr Prakshit Niraula, Spokesperson for Non- Resident Nepali Association New Zealand (NRNA NZ).

"This has turned into a grassroots movement that is being driven by our young people and they are also the ones leading the show of solidarity around the world."

"It's hard to put into words how we feel right now," said Kamal Bashel who lives in Hamilton. "Obviously there is a lot of hurt and it'll be a while before we can make sense of what happened."

In Auckland, Dr Roshan Khadka, gathered with his wife, children and dozens others at Aotea Square.

"These kids look like they could be our younger brothers and sisters, or neighbours. How I wish it had not happened."

"Every life is one too many," said Jiwan Aryal in Christchurch. "It's hard to believe that authorities who were meant to protect these kids would instead harm them."

Political upheaval

Hours after these gatherings dispersed, the Prime Minister of Nepal resigned along with many members of the political top brass, following even more protests. Important buildings including the Federal Parliament as well as the private residences of politicians were torched. The Army and members of civil society have appealed for calm and for the rioting to stop, as members of the Nepali diaspora here in Aotearoa and across the world wait anxiously to see what happens next.

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