Thousands of people joined the funeral procession in Kathmandu on Tuesday for the youths killed during last week’s Gen Z protests that swept across Nepal.
The procession began at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj, moved through Chabahil and ended at Pashupati Aryaghat, where cremation rites are scheduled.
Mourners carried flowers and banners in memory of those who died in the demonstrations against corruption and a government ban on social media.
On Monday, the government declared the victims martyrs and announced that each bereaved family would receive Rs 1.5 million in compensation, including Rs 500,000 for expenses. The funds will be distributed through District Administration Offices.
The protests, which erupted on September 7, left 72 people dead and hundreds hospitalised. The unrest forced the resignation of K P Sharma Oli and brought former chief justice Sushila Karki to office as caretaker prime minister.
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal said public offices will remain closed and flags flown at half-mast on September 17, declared a national day of mourning.
He also announced the creation of a Gen Z Awareness Park to honour those killed, and confirmed a high-level judicial inquiry commission will probe the incidents.