Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah has shown his full support for the youth rally planned in response to Nepal’s recent social media ban. In a Facebook post, Shah said the rally is clearly a spontaneous movement led by Generation Z, those under 28 years old. He noted that even he feels old compared to them but wants to understand their wishes, goals, and ideas.
In his words:
“भोलीको र्याली स्पष्ट स्वस्फूर्तरुपमा Gen Z को हो , उहाँहरू भनेको २८ वर्ष मुनि हुनुहुन्छ , जस्कोलागि म पनि अझै बुडो देखिन्छु । मलाइ पनि उहाँहरूको इच्छा , उद्देश्य , सोच बुझ्नु मन छ । भोलि यो स्वतस्फुर्त र्यालीमा कुनै पार्टी , नेता , कार्यकर्ता , सांसद , बहुला, अभियन्ताहरू आफ्नो स्वार्थ पूरा गर्न बाठो नबन्नु होला । म उमेर हदबन्दीको कारण जान मिल्दैन, तर उहाँहरूको कुरा बुझ्नु जरुरी छ , मेरो भरपुर समर्थन छ । प्रिय Gen z भन्नुस् तपाईँ हरुले कस्तो देश देख्न चाहनु हुन्छ ?”
Translated simply, Shah stressed that the rally belongs only to Gen Z and should not be used by political parties, leaders, activists, or campaigners for their own benefit. He added that while he cannot attend due to the age limit, he stands firmly with the youth and wants to hear their vision for Nepal.
The statement comes at a time when the government has banned major social media platforms, saying companies failed to register in Nepal and follow regulations. The decision has faced criticism, especially from young people who see it as an attack on free expression and digital rights.
Shah’s words have encouraged many, as they feel the mayor is recognizing their voice and supporting their movement for change.
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