Kathmandu:
During the Gen Z movement in the capital, one of Nepal's most iconic establishments - a heritage boutique luxury five-star resort - was set ablaze. The hotel stood as a symbol of Nepal's identity, culture, and diversity. It represented the Himalayas, the hills, and the plains - a living garden of the nation's four castes and thirty-six classes - and was a proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
From its upper terraces, one could see the majestic Sagarmatha and Khumbu Valley. Each room reflected the story, art, and spirit of a distinct Nepali village - it was not merely a hotel, but a living museum.
Yet, the question remains unanswered - why, and under whose name, was this hotel targeted and burned during the Gen Z uprising?
Locals made efforts to douse the flames, but around 60 percent of the property was destroyed, recalled Rajendra Bajgain, owner of the property.
It must be remembered that the hotel's founder was a self-reliant visionary - a staunch anti-corruption advocate and a reformist. He had even resigned from his parliamentary post on September 8 in solidarity with the Gen Z movement.
However, misleading videos circulated on social media falsely claimed that the hotel belonged to Energy Minister Dipak Khadka, provoking mob anger, Bajgain said. In truth, the hotel's promoter, Bajgain was a fierce critic of corrupt ministers, including the Energy Minister himself.
"Ironically, Gen Z never showed sympathy, nor did they visit the site or contact the hotel's promoters. Their silence deepened the pain of destruction caused in the name of reform," Bajgain added.
As a direct consequence of the Gen Z movement, over 20,000 jobs have been lost, and a similar number of skilled workers abroad now face the risk of visa non-renewal as several countries have begun restricting visas for Nepalis. The reason cited for these denials is the mass prison break in Nepal and the growing global perception of security instability due to looted automatic weapons.
The cumulative loss - from domestic employment, remittance reduction, and salary revenue - is projected to reach over USD 240 million annually. What began as a movement for change has, in many ways, pushed thousands into uncertainty - within and beyond Nepal's borders.
