KATHMANDU: Self-proclaimed Gen Z leader Sudan Gurung made a fiery address at Maiti Ghar Mandala on Thursday, marking Bhai Tika by paying tribute to those killed during the Gen Z protests of September 8 and 9.

The event featured photos of the deceased adorned with garlands and flowers. Draped in the national flag, Gurung declared that the era of citizens fearing politicians is over.

“For the first time in Nepal’s history, leaders and bureaucrats are afraid of the people,” he said. “This is the greatest achievement of the Gen Z movement, and we must fight to preserve it,” he added.

Accusing the past NC-UML government of shielding corruption, Gurung said no corrupt person would be spared.

“Singha Durbar burning is secondary — the real issue is bullets fired at citizens,” he said. “I can build a thousand Singha Durbars, but bring back the lives lost — you cannot.”

He also criticized political leaders for dividing citizens along party lines. “They are trying to split Gen Z. We must remain united,” he warned.

Rejecting claims that he works for foreign agencies, Gurung said, “They call me CIA, Indian, even Thai agent — this is their strategy to divide us.”

Calling for nationwide action after Tihar, he urged citizens to identify local problems and push for reforms.

“In six months, we can change this country,” he said. “Now we’ll use the Constitution itself to hold leaders accountable.”