Mother of Gen Z martyr nominated to Nepali Parliament, vows to fight for justice

Her 23-year-old son, Mr Rasik Khatiwada, was killed during the Gen Z movement on Sept 8, 2025. Read more at straitstimes.com.

KATHMANDU – Mrs Rachana Khatiwada is busy responding to congratulatory calls from relatives and well-wishers. Yet, she finds herself unable to feel happy.

She is the mother of 23-year-old Rasik Khatiwada, a native of Kavre, who was killed during the Gen Z movement on Sept 8, 2025. On March 15, Mrs Rachana’s name was mentioned on the list of Proportional Representation (PR) of the House of Representatives representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). While relatives phoned and sent messages in celebration, her tears flowed uncontrollably.

“No matter where I reach, my young son is not coming back,” she said in a voice heavy with emotion. “I feel no joy.”

Mrs Rachana is the only lawmaker representing the families of those killed during the September protest. While the RSP had included Mr Prakash Bohara and Mr Pawan Shahi, both injured in the Gen Z movement, on the closed list, they did not secure seats. Instead, Mrs Rachana now carries what she describes as a heavy responsibility.

“Now I will have the opportunity to speak in the House,” she said.

Her son Rasik had taken to the streets of Baneshwar demanding justice and good governance. According to Mrs Rachana, the state responded to the protesters’ voices with bullets. Mr Rasik and his peers died there.