The names of the student organizers and speakers have been omitted at their request to protect their privacy.

On Monday evening, Nepalese students at Arkansas State University held a gathering on the Heritage Plaza Lawn to remember those who died during recent protests in Nepal. 

Over 150 students and supporters attended to share their grief and show support for their home country.

The protests in Nepal are led by young people from Generation Z. The government’s response has been violent. An Associated Press report stated that 19 people were killed on Sept. 8 alone. Over 300 others were injured in cities including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Itahari and Butwal. The protesters, many of whom were students in school uniforms, were demonstrating peacefully against corruption and poor governance.

Among those killed was a boy under the age of 18.

“This is not just a crime,” one student at the gathering said. “It is a cruel attack on children’s rights. Killing young people is never acceptable in a democracy.”

Students lit candles, laid down flowers and held signs asking for justice. Many were emotional. 

“None of our hearts were light today. All of them were heavy,” one student said.

The event began with attendees lighting candles and observing a moment of silence. Several students spoke about the difficulty of being far away while their families and friends are in danger.

“Our bodies are here, but our hearts are with the people suffering and protesting,” one attendee said. “This gathering is the least we can do to show we care.”

Organizers said many international news outlets are misreporting the story. 

“Many are calling this a protest about a social media ban,” one organizer said. “That is not correct. This is a movement against corruption and poor governance. It is a protest against the suppression of the people’s voice. This movement, led by young people, is for dignity, justice, and a responsible government. The news should report that.”

Attendees also drew comparisons to past protests in Nepal. 

“In 2006, 18 people died to bring democracy. Today, in 2025, the rulers who promised to protect people have killed more than 19 young people,” a student speaker said.

Attendees also shared details about the violence. 

“Teenagers as young as 15 were shot at very close range,” one attendee said. “They were only asking for free speech and a country without corruption. The state did not protect them. It silenced them.”

On Tuesday, the situation escalated. 

Protesters set fire to the houses of the Home Minister and the Finance Minister. They also set fire to the parliament building and Singha Durbar, a key government complex in Kathmandu that houses many offices, parliament meeting rooms, and state media.

Due to intense pressure from the protests, the Prime Minister has resigned from his position.

For some, the gathering was about more than sadness; it was a call for the world to act. 

“Nepal is bleeding. The world must not stay quiet,” an organizer said. “We need action, accountability and change.

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