Hundreds gathered in Auckland on Tuesday to mourn those killed in Nepal's anti-corruption protests. Photo: NZ Nepal Society
Hundreds 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.
The protests were sparked by the government's recent decision to ban 26 social media apps but quickly escalated into a nationwide movement against corruption, nepotism and political elites.
The ban was lifted on Monday, but demonstrations had already swelled into Nepal's biggest mass movement in decades.
"The Nepalese diaspora is very saddened by the situation back home," said Roshan Khadka, president of the New Zealand Nepal Society, which organised the vigil.
"We decided to hold a gathering for those who lost their lives in Nepal and the community came together [at] short notice."
Roshan Khadka is president of the New Zealand Nepal Society. Photo: Supplied
Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned Tuesday amid mounting pressure and growing unrest.
On Tuesday, demonstrators in Kathmandu set fire to parliament, while government buildings and the homes of political leaders were attacked across the country.
Nepal's army chief issued a statement late Tuesday that accused protesters of exploiting the turmoil by looting and setting fire to public and private property.
"The protest back home is led by Gen Z, young people and students against corruption, nepotism and economic failure," said Sanjay Shanti Subedi, who attended the vigil in Auckland.
Subedi said the demonstrations went far beyond anger over the social media ban.
"It was triggered by the ban after years of corruption and nepotism by political elites in Nepal," he said.
"After the monarchy transitioned to democracy, people were very dissatisfied by the political parties and their subsequent leaders of the country, so this was a long time coming."
Hundreds gathered in Auckland to mourn those killed in Nepal's anti-corruption protests. Photo: NZ Nepal Society
Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008 after years of civil war and introduced a new constitution in 2015.
While the prime minister's resignation may satisfy some protesters, Subedi said it likely fell short of resolving the unrest.
"They expect more, and they want to see a change," he said. "They want a government that is not corrupt."
Subedi said the resignation also risked plunging the country into further political instability, given the uncertainty over who could take over as leader.
Khadka, meanwhile, called for calm.
"We want new leaders, maybe ... from the younger generation," he said.
"It is time for dialogue. We want the violence to end, but we also understand the feelings of the protesters back home."
