Gen Z martyr Kamal: Kind-hearted & family pillar

KATHMANDU: Kamal Bhandari, originally from Panchthar, Hillihang Rural Municipality-2, Phalante, had shown a keen interest in his country’s welfare since adolescence.

Even while living abroad, he closely followed Nepal’s governance and often expressed the need for efficient public services and good governance in conversations with his family.

Bhandari spent 11 years in India and Gulf countries, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with the intention of returning home to live a prosperous life with his family.

However, life took an unexpected turn. Participating in the Gen Z movement, which began with demands for good governance and the lifting of social media restrictions, Bhandari was martyred on Sept 9 (Bhadra 24) in Birtamode, Jhapa, after being shot during a protest.

After completing his School Leaving Certificate (SLC), Bhandari moved to India to support his family during difficult times. After three years working in hotels, he returned to Nepal briefly before moving abroad again for work.

In Qatar, he acquired driving skills and spent approximately five years obtaining a professional driving license.

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In 2019 (2076), Bhandari married Sheetal Paudel from Sirijungha, Taplejung.

They purchased a 2.5 kattha plot in Biratpokhari, Birtamode, Jhapa. Driven by a desire to ease his parents’ suffering and ensure his siblings’ education, he traveled to Saudi Arabia with his young son and wife, where he continued working as a driver. According to his wife Sheetal, he earned a good income, allowing the family to dream of a comfortable life.

Bhandari returned to Nepal in March (Chaitra) and began constructing a house in Birtamod, Jhapa, while his wife, son Rians, and sister Maya remained in Jhapa. He was actively involved in the construction, promising over the phone to visit Hillihang and complete the house by Dashain.

A supporter of the Gen Z movement, Bhandari believed in contributing actively whenever necessary. After 19 activists lost their lives on Sept 9 (Bhadra 23), he joined the protest the next day. Known for his clear and articulate speech, Bhandari advocated for equal rights for all citizens.

Despite observing Nepal’s situation from abroad, Bhandari was at the forefront of the protest when he was shot in the neck during clashes near the Birtamode Police Station.
Both security forces and fellow protesters rescued him and took him to B&B Hospital. His family learned of his critical condition on the following day.

“We had no idea he was injured; nobody informed us. We only learned the next morning that he was on a ventilator,” said his sister Maya.

Bhandari’s body was cremated on Sept 14 (Bhadra 28) in Amarapur. Born on March 28, 1996 (Chaitra 15, 2052 BS), he was the son of Ganesh Prasad Bhandari and Khagmaya Karki. He studied at Singhpur Pashupati Secondary School in Hillihang-2 up to grade 10.

Known for passing each class without exceptional marks, Kamal was always vocal about fairness and equal treatment for all. His father expressed that living mostly abroad prevented him from contributing to society locally, though he always wanted to help.

After returning from Saudi Arabia, he immediately began constructing his family home in Jhapa but could not even meet his parents. “He promised to visit during Dashain and bring us to Jhapa, but it never happened. My son passed away without even meeting us,” said Ganesh. His mother, Khagmaya, still finds it difficult to talk about him.

Local residents and officials remembered Bhandari as a youth with a clear and positive mindset. “I have known him since he was a student. He always had a desire to contribute and make a difference,” said Gyan Bahadur Adhikar, secretary of Hillihang Rural Municipality-2.

Sheetal Bhandari described her husband as brave and compassionate, always willing to help those in need. Kamal was sociable and quick to make friends, always committed to completing any task he started.

Kamal had two elder sisters who are married, and his younger brother is still studying. He had planned to construct a house in Jhapa to provide better living conditions for his family.

However, the house remains incomplete. Sheetal expressed hope that the government would support them, including completing the house, providing education for their four-year-old son, and ensuring access to healthcare and employment.

“He wanted to go abroad one last time but had planned to stay and work in Nepal as a driver,” Sheetal said. “Even though his personal dreams were not fulfilled, we hope the demands of the Gen Z martyrs are met. The government should ensure the safety and well-being of the families of martyrs and address their needs.”

Sheetal also highlighted the necessity for government support for their younger son Pawan, who is in grade 11, and the family’s weak financial condition due to the poor health of the parents. “If the government does not provide assistance, we will face severe difficulties,” she added.