Barshaman Pun: Nepal Must Move with the Spirit of Generation Z

Kathmandu – Barshaman Pun Ananta, a secretariat member of the CPN Maoist Centre, emphasized that the country should align with the spirit of the Generation Z movement. During a program organized by the party-affiliated All Nepal Trade Union Federation on Saturday at its Koteshwar Parisdanda headquarters on the occasions of Tihar, Nepal Sambat, and Chhath festivals, Pun noted that the movement’s agenda of good governance aligns with his party’s goals.

Pun expressed that Generation Z should not be perceived differently from the children and grandchildren who are growing up in the virtual and digital world. He stated, “There’s no need to be in doubt; Generation Z, aged 13 to 28, thrives in the digital realm, and they are essentially our smart and capable children equipped with global information.”

He noted that while urban residents living on different floors of the same house may not be familiar with each other, the Gen Z population maintains communication and information exchange with people worldwide through virtual means. “They engage in gaming, gather information, acquire knowledge, and in some cases, conduct business in Europe, America, Japan, Korea, India, and China from Nepal. They are connected globally,” Pun explained, adding that they are effectively working international jobs while residing in Nepal.

Pun declared that addressing Generation Z’s aspirations is necessary for the country to move forward. He expressed his party’s readiness to collaborate with Gen Z factions seeking more transparent, effective, and refined democracy. However, he warned against tendencies aiming to nullify the constitution achieved through sacrifices. Citing the past revolutionary struggles for change, he cautioned of readiness to resist efforts to regress the nation.

“The Gen Z movement is not only resonating with the Nepalese but is also felt globally. Revolutionary thinkers want to connect these aspirations with the hopes of the oppressed. Conversely, some seek to reverse these changes,” Pun remarked. He mentioned ongoing dialogues with various Generation Z groups, involving himself and coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda.

Pun criticized attempts to demoralize party members who morally support the movement while ignoring the authorities responsible for the peaceful Gen Z protest incident on September 23, where unarmed students were shot. “We remind the government that our party stands alone in embracing today’s changes. We compete in elections with our agenda,” Pun stated, adding that there have been efforts to target and intimidate their party.

He questioned why intermediaries wielding power remain untouched while blame is shifted towards Prachanda. “Such unacceptable tendencies must stop,” he declared. He reminded that Prachanda, as Prime Minister, had advocated for investigations into party members involved in corrupt activities.

Pun reiterated a commitment to transparency, stating, “Our leaders and members are ready to be scrutinized for any corruption, and we stand by it, unlike other parties. This position holds even for our partners in government, including the Prime Minister, who served as Chief Justice, and other ministers who have been tested.”

He elaborated on conversations with Prime Minister Sushila Karki, emphasizing their electoral commitment while protecting the nation’s sovereignty and citizens’ rights. “The Maoist party desires peace and progress, seeking to move beyond the current state. We stand firmly with resilience,” Pun declared, referencing their prior resistance against global powers.

Pun also stressed the importance of investigating and prosecuting those involved in the acts of vandalism and arson on September 10. “While the movement with a good governance agenda was commendable, there are serious allegations of incrimination on the following day,” he emphasized, advocating for punishment for infiltrators involved in such criminal acts, and urging collaboration for stable democracy and national independence.