KATHMANDU: The scene in front of the Parliament building, which had seemed ordinary, suddenly turned into one of fear and pain.

On September 8, during the Gen Z protests against the government, security forces opened fire on demonstrators. Panic broke out as people ran in all directions; some collapsed to the ground. Among the crowd was 25-year-old defender Pawan Shahi of Nepal Super League (NSL) champion club Lalitpur City FC, who also fell to the ground.

In Kalikot’s Manma, Meethu Shahi was watching the Gen Z protest news on television that same day. Living in Sundhara, she had no reason to suspect her son would be anywhere near New Baneshwar. But by noon, reports of gunfire emerged. A chill ran through her heart. In a rush, she called her son’s phone, but he did not answer. After repeated attempts, someone finally picked up—but it wasn’t Pawan.

“Your son has been shot, we’ve taken him to the hospital,” came the reply that left Meethu numb with shock. She didn’t even manage to ask which hospital. Half-unconscious with fear, she rushed out searching for her son in different hospitals. “I fainted the moment I heard the news. I circled Trauma Centre four times, but couldn’t find him,” she recalled. It was only at 4 p.m. that she finally saw her son, but not in good condition.

Pawan was not a politically active person. Born into an ordinary family, his dream was to represent Nepal through football. Eight years ago, this dream brought him to Kathmandu. After much struggle, he earned a spot at New Road Team (NRT), an eight-time ‘A’ Division League champion. He was excited to join such a prestigious club, but during the 2021 league season, he failed to secure a permanent spot.

Coach Raju Kaji Shakya recalls, “We had a shortage of players, so Pawan joined training. But he couldn’t grow into the strong player we expected, so he chose another club.”

Even while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, Pawan’s dedication to football impressed Shakya. Still, NRT’s poor performance did not allow him to remain there. He then joined Brigade Boys Club, but his journey there was also difficult. While NRT finished third, Brigade fell to 13th and was relegated. The following year, Pawan played in the ‘B’ Division League, but the club could not climb back into the top tier.

For two years, league football in Nepal came to a halt. Eventually, he found success in the NSL, joining Lalitpur City FC. “His name wasn’t even in the auction, but I personally recommended him. Lalitpur picked him, and he was overjoyed,” Shakya remembers.

After his success in the NSL, Pawan was preparing for the upcoming ‘A’ Division League, scheduled for this December. He was also spending time with his mother, Meethu, who had come to Kathmandu for uterine treatment. She believed her son was busy with training. But that day, without her knowledge, Pawan left from Pepsi-Cola and went to Baneshwor, where the Gen-Z protest was taking place. “We were staying in a hotel, and my son was living alone. That day, he went to the protest,” Meethu says tearfully.

After being shot by police, Pawan was first taken to Civil Service Hospital. His condition was so critical that doctors struggled to determine whether he was alive or dead. The hospital was overflowing with the wounded and the dead. Amid the chaos, his maternal uncle Ganesh Shahi, who had come to donate blood, recognized him. “When I touched his chest, I felt him breathing—he was alive,” Ganesh recalled.

Pawan Shahi/ Picture Credit: Lalitpur FC

After desperate appeals, Pawan was transferred by ambulance to Trauma Centre. The bullet had ripped through his abdomen, shredding his intestines and fracturing his ribs. After a six-hour surgery, his intestines were stitched back together, and bullets were removed from his stomach and hand. He regained consciousness after three days. Now moved to the general ward, he still requires hip surgery. “I was about to finish my own treatment and return home, but then this happened to my son. I don’t know how long we’ll have to stay in the hospital,” Meethu said, breaking down in tears.

A family in turmoil

Since September 8, Trauma Centre has provided free treatment to 180 people injured during the Gen Z protests, including Pawan. Currently, 34 patients are still undergoing treatment, five remain in ICU, and one is in critical condition. So far, eight people have died there.

According to Trauma Centre Director Dr. Badri Rijal, both the injured and their families are suffering not only physically but also mentally. “The injured are facing not just physical pain but also psychological trauma. Even doctors need counseling,” he said.

Gunshots caused severe injuries to the abdomen, hands, legs, ears, and neck of many. “Healing will take time, and in some cases, there’s a risk of permanent disability,” Dr. Rijal warned.

The hospital has been providing free food, medicines, and arrangements for patients to return home. But for Pawan, both his football dream and his family’s hopes hang in uncertainty. The incident highlights the deep impact of violence on innocent lives.