KATHMANDU: In Budhanilkantha, a small rented room holds a lot of memories for Anil Pariyar. This modest space, complete with a kitchen in one corner, a bed in another, and photos of his late wife, is where 31-year-old Pariyar from Kusma, Parbat, has been recovering after being critically injured during the Gen-Z protests on September 9.
Pariyar, a tailor by profession, had no prior knowledge of the Gen-Z movement or its objectives. He joined the protest after witnessing the deaths of young student protesters on September 8, motivated by anger and grief over the state’s violent response.
Lacking transportation to join distant demonstrations, he and a local group advanced toward the residence of Nepali Congress Chair Sher Bahadur Deuba, where the protest escalated and gunfire broke out. A bullet pierced Pariyar’s left side and exited his back, leaving him unconscious.
Already grieving the loss of his wife a year and a half ago, Pariyar was struggling to support his nine-year-old son and manage household expenses. The shooting left him in critical condition at Manmohan Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Transplant Hospital, Maharajgunj. Initially, hospital staff mistakenly informed his family that he had died following emergency surgery, causing additional shock and despair.
Pariyar regained consciousness early on September 10, hours after the false report of his death. He spent four days in the hospital, undergoing open-heart surgery due to the bullet’s impact on his heart. Doctors noted that any delay in receiving care could have proven fatal. Though his condition has improved, shrapnel from the bullet remains in his body permanently.
Now discharged, Pariyar faces the daunting task of rebuilding his life. He worries about sustaining his household and funding his son’s education while grappling with the physical and emotional scars of the attack.
Despite the interim government forming a commission to investigate the Gen-Z protests and providing recognition and compensation to those killed, no comprehensive support has been extended to survivors like Pariyar. Injured participants have even staged sit-ins at Singh Durbar demanding assistance.
Pariyar, who was neither part of the Gen-Z movement nor aligned with the government, says his motivation stemmed from outrage over the killing of innocent students and widespread corruption driving Nepalis abroad. He now hopes for a “New Nepal” where citizens can live and work safely within the country, free from fear and instability.
Photo: Nepal Photo Library
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