Statement by Nepali Academics in America (NACA) In Solidarity with Nepal’s Youth, Democracy, and Intellectual Integrity

Nepali Academics in America (NACA) stands in firm solidarity with the young people of Nepal who began their movement by peacefully exercising their democratic freedoms. Their courage reflects the conscience and hope of the nation.

We unequivocally condemn the Government of Nepal’s violent crackdown on peaceful protesters, which claimed young lives. Such actions are indefensible and erode the foundations of democracy. 

We denounce the violence and anarchy caused by infiltrators and opportunistic groups seeking to hijack and destabilize this youth-led movement. Violence from any side, whether by the state or by anarchists, betrays the aspirations of the people and endangers Nepal’s fragile democracy.

Democracy thrives on peaceful protest, while indiscriminate violence undermines it. Nepal’s future lies not in silencing its youth but in unleashing their creativity, integrity, and leadership. Equally, intellectual freedom and academic integrity are inseparable from democratic rights. The distortion of higher education through political patronage and the silencing of critical voices stifle young people’s potential and weaken the nation’s future. To betray civic and intellectual freedom is to betray the very promise of Nepal’s youth.

We call on the Government of Nepal and current political actors to end repression, acknowledge and take responsibility for the killing of young people, hold accountable those who authorized and carried out the excessive use of force, uphold free expression, and recognize youth as legitimate partners in shaping the country’s democratic future. We urge all actors to reject violence, safeguard civic freedoms, and restore integrity in both governance and education.

We call on all Nepalis, at home and abroad, to stand in solidarity with the hopes and aspirations of the young people. We urge every sector of society to reject violence and misinformation, condemn those who thrive on chaos, and ensure that the peaceful and democratic character of youth protests is not undermined.

We further urge the international community, human rights organizations, and global allies to stand with the people of Nepal to demand accountability, safeguard human rights, and support nonviolent democratic expressions.

As members of the global Nepali academic community, NACA stands with Nepali youth in hope, solidarity, and commitment to justice, democracy, and intellectual integrity.

Issued on behalf of Nepali Academics in America (NACA)