Gen Z activists join protest against caste-based discrimination

Gen Z activist Miraj Dhungana and other campaigners joined the protest at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu on Friday, November 13, 2026, to show solidarity with Dalit activist Deepa Nepali, according to Ratopati and Nepal Live. Nepali has been on a satyagraha, a form of non-violent protest, for 209 days as of Friday, demanding an end to caste-based discrimination and untouchability.

Nagarik News, Ratopati, DC Nepal and Nepal Live all report that the protest runs under the slogan "Government, is the room empty?" Nepal Live reported that Nepali's demands include a complete end to caste-based and all other forms of discrimination and a zero-tolerance policy on caste discrimination and untouchability. According to Ratopati, she has said she is continuing the satyagraha to end social evils, build an equal society, and build a civilized and prosperous nation.

Nagarik News reported that Dhungana criticized the government for taking no effective step toward talks or a solution while the protest has gone on. He said it was sad that caste discrimination persists in the 21st century and that the government had not shown interest even in hearing the demands of the woman who has been protesting for 209 days. He said it did not suit a government of the young that the street was closer than the government, and that the government's conduct had not matched the expectation that it would work close to citizens.

Sutra News and Artha Dabali reported that Dhungana also spoke about governance more broadly. He said good governance should not be limited to keeping government offices free of corruption and should also include economic growth, better livelihoods, control of inflation, and jobs and opportunities within the country. He said the current government had not worked as the public expected, and that a third political pole might be needed as an alternative. If the government did not work as people hoped, he said, it should be removed by lawful means and a new force emerging after the uprising should come.

Ratopati reported that Tekendra Joshi, an activist with the Tesro Dhar ("third stream") building campaign, also took part to support Nepali's demands.

According to Sutra News and Artha Dabali, Dhungana said he had earlier criticized several political leaders as well as the current government, and that whatever his personal friendships, he stands in political opposition to the current government. He said the government still has a chance to work as the public expects, and that if the country does not move toward development and prosperity, he and his colleagues are ready to carry on an ideological struggle. He said they would put the national interest ahead of personal interest.