Kathmandu: The Gen-Z protest movement has entered a turbulent phase after internal disputes surfaced during their dialogue with the Nepal Army. A sharp division has emerged over whether the future of Nepal should be a monarchy or a republic, causing talks with Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel to stall.

Raksha Bam Rejects Army Chief’s Proposal

Gen-Z activist Raksha Bam revealed on social media that she and her team walked out of the Army Headquarters after the Army Chief suggested they meet the President and hold talks with Durga Prasai and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-linked group.

She argued that such negotiations would undermine the sacrifices of the Gen-Z movement. “Our main stance was clear — the future path of the state should be decided by Gen-Z. We need time to consolidate demands from all 77 districts and present a joint document,” she wrote.

Leadership Dispute Freezes Dialogue

Tensions grew when Gen-Z representatives clashed over who should lead the talks. Some pushed for former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister, while others backed Dharan Mayor Hark Sampang. Earlier, Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah was the leading choice, but he reportedly did not respond to calls, forcing a rethink.

The Army, facing the divided delegation, asked them to return with unified leadership by Thursday.

Durga Prasai Steps In

Meanwhile, controversial medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai has stepped into the political vacuum. Sharing a photo with Army Chief Sigdel, Prasai claimed he held day-long discussions on the nation’s “future path.”

Prasai stated he was not seeking leadership but was open to supporting figures like Balen Shah or Sushila Karki. “In these difficult times, what is needed is seriousness, national unity, and a creative way forward,” he wrote on social media, pledging not to engage in “cheap politics.”

Growing Uncertainty

The internal rift and competing proposals for leadership have raised doubts about the cohesion of the Gen-Z movement at a critical juncture. With pressure mounting after violent clashes and 19 deaths earlier this week, the stakes remain high for both protesters and the state.