A member of the new Gen Z movement's youth leadership isPurushottam Yadav.Yadav was involved in Gen Z's anti-corruption campaign and went to the District Administration Office in Kathmandu on September 7 to obtain permission for the movement organised on September 8 (the first day of the Gen-Z protest).Bal Krishna SahofThe Himalayan Timesspoke with Yadav about his role and his future plans in the wake of the protests and changes that have resulted in the overthrow of the KP Oli government and the formation of the Interim government led by Sushila Karki.Excerpts: HOW DID YOU GET A PERMIT FROM THE CDO OFFICE IN KATHMANDU? Xi and Putin reaffirm 'old friend' ties in the face of US challenges Direct flights from Pokhara to Australia in the offing The Vice CDO at the Kathmandu office gave me the permit. He asked me how many people would be attending Maitighar Mandala and advised me to keep the protest peaceful. WHAT DID YOU WITNESS ON SEPTEMBER 8? We made sure the protest against corruption would be non-violent in order to achieve our goal. We noticed a large crowd at Maitighar Mandala when we visited. Since we were in the leadership roles, everyone wanted to know what we were supposed to do. We spent about an hour sitting there and demonstrating. Then, with permission, we planned a rally in a car. We provided the route-from Maitighar Mandala to the Everest Hotel-to the authorities. Everything was normal and under control on the way. When we reached the Everest Hotel, we resumed our peaceful protest. We planned to return to Maitighar Mandala via the turning point in front of the hotel. Our intention was to hold a peaceful and well-organised protest from Maitighar to Everest Hotel. However, some people on motorcycles unexpectedly arrived from the front while we were at the Everest Hotel. After blending in with the crowd, they unexpectedly pushed through the police barricade and advanced. The movement was carried out with dignity and peace, with the sole goal of combating corruption. It was a truly graceful and meaningful protest against corruption, rather than one against the social media ban imposed by the government. HOW WERE ATTACKS LAUNCHED ON GEN Z YOUTH? HOW DID THIS UNFOLD? This was a heartbreaking and unfortunate incident. The police should have used baton charges, a water cannon, or tear gas. However, they opened fire directly, which was wrong. The government should accept responsibility for the massacre. Those dead youths were our age, and some were dressed in college uniforms. The majority of them were sincere protesters who arrived with an anti-corruption mindset, though I believe there were some infiltrators. Why did the government let this happen? The government should be questioned about this. This scenario would not have occurred if the government had planned beforehand. The prime minister ought to have stepped down the evening of the 19 fatalities on the first day of the protest. As a result, the situation became even more outrageous. A LOT OF ATTACKS HAPPENED ON SEPTEMBER 9, INCLUDING ARSON AND VANDALISM. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHT ON IT? We strongly condemn the attacks, arson, and vandalism that occurred on September 9. This was not what we anticipated. We expected a non-violent protest and tribute gathering. We had made the announcement that evening that we would take the movement from house to house and pay our respects in a calm manner tomorrow. The following day, though, things got out of hand. The Supreme Court, the President's Office, Singha Durbar, police stations, and leaders' homes were all attacked. All of this was the outcome of the people's rage. There would have been no need for this if the government had accepted responsibility and resigned overnight. All of this occurred as a result of the government's carelessness and insensitivity on the part of the government. AN INTERIM GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN FORMED NOW. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT IT? We fully support Sushila Karki, Nepal's first woman Prime Minister. She has long been a strong anti-corruption advocate, a true law-abiding leader, and a remarkable woman who also served as a Supreme Court justice. In a country where women were once oppressed and even killed in the name of sati, the first female Prime Minister is both historic and inspiring. WHAT ARE YOUR NEXT STEPS? ARE YOU PLANNING FOR A POLITICAL JOURNEY? I see this differently. We often spend our time criticising politicians, but we don't step forward to become leaders ourselves. I believe young people should actively get involved in politics and learn from it. Politics is not just a game-it is a responsibility. That's why I encourage the youth to join politics and even contest elections. One must accept responsibility for the change after advocating for it. Nevertheless, the choice of whether to establish a political party or how to proceed has not yet been made. In order to take the initiative and institutionalise change, Gen Z can vote in the elections. We want to rid the nation and society of corruption. We now back the government of Sushila Karki. Additionally, all Gen Z must leap together in order to safeguard this change. Let's be optimistic and challenge corruption. It is the duty of all people to prevent corruption, including those who commit such acts. Let's back this government and, in the six months until the elections, let's foster an environment free from corruption. We must build our Nepal. Our brothers and sisters must not be compelled to travel overseas for work.