The following was submitted to The Laker News about the Candlelight March Rally on Sept. 8.
HALIFAX: The Nepalese community in Halifax organized a Candlelight March Rally on September 8.
It was done to show solidarity with the ongoing Gen Z protest in Nepal and to condemn the Nepalese government’s violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations against corruption.
The rally in Halifax was held beside the historic Citadel Town Clock, where approximately 200 Nepalese youths gathered carrying Nepal’s national flags and electric candles, in respect of the city’s fire regulations.
At 7:30 p.m., the candlelight march commenced, circling the Citadel Hill area, and concluded at 8:00 p.m. with participants voicing their collective concerns, pain, and hopes for justice.
The event was led by Halifax resident Thomas Lama and supported by members of the Nepalese community across Nova Scotia.
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Pushpendhar Singh, president of the Nepalese Society of Nova Scotia, noted:
“The main objective of the rally was to raise the voice of Nepalese youth outside the country, strongly condemning the government’s oppression and mass violence.”
Participants carried playcards with messages and symbolic statements, while voices like that of Halifax resident Saroj Dahal highlighted the deep emotional ties of the diaspora to the crisis back home.
“Even though we are far away from our country, the heart of every Nepali youth is tied to its pain,” said Dahal.
“The recent deaths of young protestors have been heartbreaking, but we are here to channel our grief into strength for those continuing the struggle in Nepal.”
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The Gen Z protest in Nepal erupted after the government imposed a ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, sparking outrage among young citizens.
What began in the capital, Kathmandu, quickly spread throughout the country.
Thousands of young people took to the streets against corruption and suppression of freedom, with tragic consequences: more than 19 peaceful protestors have lost their lives and over 300 have been injured.
Through this candlelight march, the Nepalese community in Nova Scotia joined hands with the global diaspora to amplify the voices of Nepalese youths fighting for justice, freedom, and an end to corruption.
