Sushila Karki Takes Center Stage in Nepal’s Youth-Led Protests
Six-Hour Meeting Finalizes Karki’s Appointment
Kathmandu: In a pivotal development amid Nepal’s deepening political crisis, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been appointed as the official representative of the youth-led Gen Z protest movement to negotiate with the Army over government formation, media reports confirmed.
The decision was finalized late Wednesday after a six-hour strategic meeting among protest leaders, who are demanding major political reforms, including the immediate arrest of former top officials accused of ordering deadly crackdowns, a new constitution capping Prime Ministerial terms to two, and merit-based appointments across key constitutional bodies.
Sushila Karki, aged 71 and Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice, is renowned for her fearless anti-corruption stance. Her tenure saw landmark rulings, including the conviction of a former Information Minister and decisive actions against political interference in the judiciary.
Highly respected in legal and civil circles, Karki recently joined the protests, denouncing the current leadership as outdated and lacking vision. In a powerful statement to NDTV, she said,
“This government should step down… They have no vision, no education… Certificates don’t make them educated.”
She also condemned the brutal killing of 19 demonstrators, calling it a stain on Nepal’s conscience.
Her selection reflects the growing seriousness of the Gen Z movement, which has gripped Kathmandu with large-scale protests against unemployment, political corruption, and poor governance. Chaotic scenes unfolded as ministers and their families were airlifted by army helicopters while mobs ransacked government buildings and torched politicians’ homes.
With the Army now in control following Prime Minister Oli’s resignation, Karki’s role is seen as crucial in determining whether negotiations will steer Nepal toward democratic reform or deeper instability.
Observers suggest these talks could be a historic turning point in Nepal’s democratic journey, as the world watches the tense battle between a youth uprising and entrenched political powers unfold.
