Portraits of Fallen Protesters Adorn Home Ministry, Serving as Constant Reminder of Governance Demands

At the entrance of the Ministry of Home Affairs, several photographs are displayed on a flex banner near the stairs. The gaze of everyone entering the door is immediately drawn to these walls. There are 45 faces in those pictures. Although they are lifeless images, looking into their eyes gives the impression of unfulfilled dreams and a call for change.

This raises a question—why are these pictures right at the doorstep of the Home Ministry? After pausing for a moment, the answer to this question is found. These pictures are of those warriors who sacrificed their lives while calling for good governance and change during the Gen-Ji movement on Bhadra 23 and 24 last year.

The faces here are not just pictures; they are witnesses to hope, rebellion, and sacrifice. If you look closely at these pictures hung on the wall, they still seem to be saying something in a loud voice—our sacrifice must not be forgotten!

Outside are the martyrs of the recent Gen-Ji movement, and inside, in front of Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal's desk, is the picture of the nation-builder Prithvi Narayan Shah. This makes it seem as if history and the present meet in the same room.

Home Minister Aryal says, "Both these pictures carry the history of Nepal. As I enter the office, the pictures of the Gen-Ji movement martyrs remind me of the call for good governance, for which they entrusted us and sacrificed their lives. Similarly, the picture of the nation-builder in front of the desk makes us realize the meaning of being here."

Life outside on the streets continues as usual, but the country stands at a new turning point of change. The citizen government formed after the Gen-Ji movement has completed the elections. Now, preparations are underway for a new government, which the clear mandate suggests will be led by the Rastriya Swatantra Party.

Minister Aryal states that every time he looks at those pictures, he still feels as if they are challenging him, demanding answers, and seeking commitments. "Can we fulfill their dreams? This question is for myself and everyone else," he says.

The answer to this question is not easy, but one thing is clear—the pictures hanging on the wall of the Home Ministry are not just a memory, but also a warning. Through those pictures, the martyrs remind the government and the citizens every day—good governance should be reflected not just in words, but in responsibility.

The government has declared the individuals who attained martyrdom during the Gen-Ji-Jan Andolan (People's Movement) as martyrs. In accordance with the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Government of Nepal, the details along with the pictures of the good governance warriors and immortal police officers are kept here at the Home Ministry, following the publication of the notice in the Nepal Gazette on Kartik 17, 2082. This includes the pictures, names, and addresses of 45 martyrs.

Near the entrance of the Ministry, there are pictures of the martyrs, and in the Home Minister's office, there are pictures of the nation-builder Prithvi Narayan Shah and his guru Gorakhnath. This reflects true respect for ancestors, remembrance of martyrs, and reverence for the guru.

Pictures of the Gen-Ji warriors and immortal police officers are displayed not only at the Home Ministry but also at the south entrance of Singha Durbar, various ministries, and Chief District Officer (CDO) offices across the country. These pictures are also placed at Tribhuvan International Airport, various road intersections, and important public places. This is a tribute from the nation to perpetually remember the sacrifice made by the Gen-Ji youth demanding control over corruption and an end to irregularities, and the sacrifice of the national service immortal police officers who attained martyrdom during that process.

The primary responsibility of the citizen government formed after the Gen-Ji movement was to complete the House of Representatives elections on Falgun 21, which was conducted peacefully and enthusiastically. After the elections, the country is entering the phase of forming a new government. With all election results in, political parties have also finalized and submitted the seat allocation for proportional representation candidates to the Election Commission. The RSP is set to lead the new government with nearly a two-thirds majority in the elections.

Home Minister Aryal states that the pictures of the Gen-Ji warriors and immortal police officers displayed at the Home Ministry and various other agencies constantly serve as a reminder to highly value their sacrifice and to promote anti-corruption and good governance. "The country has entered a new phase due to the historic movement of the Gen-Ji youth. The elections have been completed, creating a foundation for the journey towards good governance and economic prosperity. Now, no one has the luxury to deviate from this process and the aspiration for change. There is no alternative but to move forward on the path of national development, good governance, and prosperity in line with the spirit of Gen-Ji. These pictures of the martyrs will remind us of this every day," he says.

During the Gen-Ji movement, 76 people died in the country, and hundreds were injured. A few days later, the citizen government was formed. Aryal assumed the responsibility as Home Minister on Ashoj 30, 2082 BS.

In the meantime, the government reached a 10-point agreement with representatives of the Gen-Ji movement. The responsibility to implement that agreement now falls on the shoulders of the new government. This includes the aspirations sought by the Gen-Ji generation: good governance, a transparent state system, and the end of corruption for nation-building.

Home Minister Aryal stated that the citizen government successfully completed the elections and established new benchmarks. "We have established a new benchmark for political good governance through the elections. The upcoming government will have to fulfill many more responsibilities in line with these benchmarks and the aspirations of the youth. Everyone must take positive initiative in this regard," he said. "There were many challenges during this period, but through the efforts and restraint of all of us, we have restored the rule of law and compensated for the damage to the constitution through the elections. A path for smooth transfer of power has been created by holding a higher quality election than the previous one. This must be managed and moved forward."