Violence in Nepal has left more than a dozen dead as mass protests continue across the country, and the impact is being felt half a world away here in West Hartford.
The town has the largest Nepali community in the state.
As a solemn silence holds over the crowd in front of West Hartford town hall, candles were held close as people mourned the lives lost.
“Your loss is not forgotten, and the sacrifice will never be in vain,” one speaker said.
A sacrifice the Nepali community in town is recognizing with a vigil.
“The police are supposed to protect our students, not kill them,” 16-year-old Alina Singh, of West Hartford, said.
She has family still in Nepal.
“As of right now, everyone’s safe from my side,” Singh said.
Her attention is focused on what’s going on half a world away. There are mass protests in Nepal led by Gen Z that were sparked by a short-lived social media ban last week.
It morphed into a protest over government corruption where anger has grown over the years, resulting in the torching of top leaders’ homes as well as the parliament building.
Many protestors were furious seeing the lavish lifestyle from children of politicians there in contrast to the poverty many in Nepal live in.
“It’s honestly disgusting what’s happening. All of our tax money going to nepo babies so they can get luxurious brands and Europe trips while our people in Nepal are struggling,” Singh said.
On Monday, police opened fire on protesters, killing 19 people.
“All we wanted was what’s better for our community and the police resort to shooting us. That is honestly disgusting behavior,” Singh said.
But that anger and sadness turned into resilience. The crowd waving their phones to a popular Nepali rock song about the flag and fighting for their country.
While it’s evening in West Hartford, it’s morning in Nepal. The prime minister resigned Tuesday leaving many people here wondering who the next leader will be. Some people say it’s an opportunity for change.
“We need like all the new generation who have to change the country now,” Angnima Lama, of West Hartford, said.
“We get a voice now. It’s not like the parents or the uncles or aunts speaking up. It’s us Gen Z,” Singh said.
All of them want a better future for their country and generation.
“It’s not just about Nepal, it’s about humanity,” one speaker said.
