Candlelight vigil in Queens honors victims of Nepal protests and sparks a global call for justice
Jackson Heights, Queens —
In the heart of one of New York City’s most diverse neighborhoods, a quiet but powerful gathering took place at Diversity Plaza this weekend. Members of the Nepali diaspora and allies from across Queens came together for a candlelight vigil to honor the innocent lives lost during recent political protests in Nepal. The event, organized by community leader Deependra Lama and a coalition of grassroots activists, served as both a memorial and a rallying cry for justice.
As dusk settled over Jackson Heights, dozens of attendees lit candles and stood in solemn reflection. Some held signs bearing messages of solidarity, while others wore traditional Nepali attire or carried the national flag. The atmosphere was reverent, yet charged with purpose.
“This is not just about mourning,” Lama said during the vigil. “It’s about standing together in grief, in compassion, and in the hope that justice will prevail. Our hearts beat as one.”
The protests in Nepal, which have drawn international concern, stem from escalating tensions over government accountability, human rights abuses, and the treatment of marginalized communities. Reports of violence against peaceful demonstrators have sparked outrage among Nepalis at home and abroad.
For many in attendance, the vigil was deeply personal. Some had family members directly affected by the unrest. Others came to show support for a country they still call home, even from thousands of miles away.
“This is our way of saying we haven’t forgotten,” said Ramesh Thapa, a Queens resident who emigrated from Nepal two decades ago. “We may be here in New York, but our hearts are with those suffering back home.”
Adding to the momentum, community member Prabesh Gurung shared a passionate message on Facebook, questioning the effectiveness of current investigative committees and calling for bold action. He wrote:
His words reflect the growing frustration and urgency felt by many in the diaspora, who are demanding not just symbolic gestures but real accountability and reform.
The organizers emphasized that the vigil was only the beginning. Plans are underway for a larger protest in front of the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan, aimed at drawing global attention to the crisis in Nepal and urging international bodies to take action.
“We will raise our voices on a global stage,” Lama announced. “We will demand accountability. We will demand human rights. And we will not stop until justice is served.”
The upcoming protest is expected to include speakers from human rights organizations, diaspora leaders, and youth activists. Organizers say they will release details in the coming days and are encouraging widespread participation.
Diversity Plaza, known for its vibrant mix of cultures and communities, has long been a site for civic engagement and public expression. Saturday’s vigil added another chapter to its legacy—one of transnational solidarity and the enduring power of collective action.
As the candles flickered into the night, the message was clear: this community is united, resilient, and ready to be heard.