New Nepal PM assumes office, announces relief for Gen Z Protest victims

Sushila Karki assumed office as Nepal's interim Prime Minister on Sunday. Right after taking charge, she signed a decision to provide Rs 1 million in relief to the families of those who died during the Gen Z protests. 

The government also declared the deceased as martyrs. Free medical treatment was arranged for 134 injured protesters and 57 injured police personnel, The Himalayan Times reports.

Earlier, she paid tribute at the Martyrs' Memorial in Lainchaur.

Ministries have been instructed to compile detailed reports on the damages incurred during the protests.The death toll from the protests has reached 72, including 59 protesters, 10 inmates, and 3 police personnel.

"We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation. ... What this group is demanding is end of corruption, good governance and economic equality," said Sushila Karki, the 73-year-old former chief justice, in her first public comments. "You and I have to be determined to fulfil that."

Karki added that she and her interim government would not "stay here one day more than six months", with elections set for March 5, 2026, AFP reports.