Kathmandu: Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Ramnath Adhikari has resigned from his post, citing the government’s violent response to the Gen Z protests that left at least 19 people dead and hundreds injured.
In a statement on Tuesday, Adhikari said it was no longer morally acceptable for him to remain in office after what he described as state brutality against young demonstrators who had taken to the streets to protest corruption and restrictions on freedom of expression.
“Our children warned us against corruption and repression of free speech. Instead of listening, the government answered them with bullets and bloodshed,” Adhikari said. “I cannot stay in power while innocent youths are being killed and suppressed. My conscience does not allow it.”
Adhikari, who was elected from Dhading Constituency-2 under the Nepali Congress banner, said he was proud of his party’s democratic history and emphasized that non-violence was at the heart of democracy. He expressed regret that the government had chosen force over dialogue.
Apologizing to the public, Adhikari said he felt a deep sense of guilt remaining in the Cabinet while the government’s actions pushed the country “towards authoritarianism rather than democracy.”
Calling for accountability and a peaceful resolution, Adhikari added: “Nothing stands above the lives and freedom of our people in a democracy. The sovereign people are far more honorable than those of us who call ourselves leaders.”