KATHMANDU: CPN (UML) Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai has admitted, through self-criticism, that his party failed to address the changed needs and expectations following the Gen Z movement.

In a statement issued on Thursday, he paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the protests and acknowledged this shortcoming.

“September 8 has already shown that everything was not fine. Accepting this truth, we must say that we were unable to fulfill the changed needs and expectations, and for that we seek an apology,” Bhattarai said.

He also stressed the need for a judicial investigation into the suppression of the Gen Z movement. At the same time, he remarked that the violent incidents of September 9 had tarnished the movement.

“The criminal activities of that day damaged structures linked to national pride and heritage, which distorted the pure demands of the Gen Z generation,” he added.

Bhattarai further noted that although there has been talk of attempts to turn the country into a laboratory of instability, he would not speak much about it at present.

However, he underlined that the foremost task today is the protection of the Constitution, the revival of democratic processes, and bringing the country back on track through elections.