Nepali Citizens Commemorate One Year Since Protests Overthrew Government
Dozens of young Nepalis gathered at the burnt parliament building on Tuesday (8/9) local time. The demonstration was held to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the deadly anti-corruption protests that overthrew the previous government.
As reported by AFP on Tuesday (8/9/2026), the action was also intended to honour those who lost their lives during the unrest, amidst a period of national mourning caused by the heavy casualties from devastating flash floods two weeks ago.
The protests, held on 8-9 September 2025, were initially triggered by anger over the government’s temporary ban on social media. However, the movement expanded, driven by deeper frustrations regarding economic hardship, corruption, and entrenched political practices.
The riot-filled protests resulted in at least 76 deaths and led to the burning of the parliament building in Kathmandu, as well as the Prime Minister’s office and other government buildings.
The unrest also ousted the government of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, triggering a series of events that led to the election of the young Prime Minister, Balendra Shah, last March.
“The loss of life is certainly a terrible thing. But the political impact was worth it; we have seen change,” said former demonstrator Aastha Shrestha (23) at the site of the destroyed building.
“It feels as though the current government appreciates the sacrifices we have made,” she told AFP.
Banners featuring photographs of those killed during the protests were displayed around the parliament building area.
Prime Minister Shah, in a statement via the social media platform X, expressed hope that this commemoration could “inspire us all to move forward to build a Nepal that is just, transparent, and full of opportunity.”
A commission of inquiry established to investigate the violence during the protests submitted its report last April, recommending further investigations into several officials, including Oli.
According to the report, the majority of the victims—51 people—died from gunshot wounds, many of which were to the head or chest.
However, according to Anish Acharya (19), who attended the commemoration with flowers, there has been almost no real accountability so far.
“Why did we sacrifice lives, and what have we gained? There is no hope for change. Oli was indeed arrested the next day, but what comes next? The perpetrators are now walking free. The government does not respect our sacrifices and our demands,” he said.