The Council of Gen Z has condemned the recent remarks made against climate activist Tashi Lhazom, a resident of Karnali Province and a member of the Himalayan Indigenous marginalized community. Issuing a statement by all six provincial coordinators of the council, they have expressed grave concern over “fabricated, baseless, discriminatory, and insulting” narratives circulating in the media and on social platforms.
The council’s statement came after controversies surfaced over discussions of including Lhazom in the cabinet expansion of the government formed following the Gen Z Movement. The council denounced the statement issued by Karnali Province Coordinator Supriya Rajyalakshmi Shahi, clarifying that it did not reflect collective consultation, coordination, or understanding within the council.
“We reject and strongly condemn the statement issued under Supriya Shahi’s signature,” the council stated, adding that it “does not represent our organizational involvement or consent.”
The coordinators expressed sorrow over the “personal and communal harm and irreparable damage” caused by racially charged remarks, stressing that such discriminatory and hateful expressions would not be supported on moral, ideological, or practical grounds.
The council further said that the “hostile behavior” toward Lhazom under the guise of hollow nationalism amounted to defamation and insult, adding that such baseless actions had deeply hurt patriotic Nepalis from all regions and communities.
Calling the incident a continuation of long-standing injustices faced by marginalized groups including Himalayan, Madhesi, Dalit, Muslim, Tharu, and women communities, the council urged all concerned parties to refrain from spreading racially biased and divisive expressions.
“The statement issued in the name of the Karnali Coordinator is condemnable from humanitarian, legal, social, and ethical perspectives,” the council noted. “It appears to be influenced by self-interested groups with divisive and racially motivated thinking.”
Reaffirming its commitment to building a just and inclusive society, the Council of Gen Z emphasized the need for equality, mutual respect, harmony, and coexistence among all communities.
