San Francisco Frontiers - Nepalis mark a year since deadly protests that toppled government

The gathering in memory of those who died in the demonstrations came as the Himalayan nation continues to mourn the vast loss of life from devastating floods two weeks ago.

The rallies on September 8-9, 2025, were initially sparked by anger over a brief government ban on social media but were driven by deeper frustration over economic hardship, corruption and entrenched political practices.

The unrest caused the deaths of 76 people and the torching of the parliament building in the capital Kathmandu, as well as the prime minister's office and other government buildings.

It also led to the downfall of the administration of KP Sharma Oli, setting in motion a series of events that culminated with the election of youthful Prime Minister Balendra Shah in March.

"The loss of life was of course terrible. But the impact on politics was worth it, we have seen changes," said former protester Aastha Shrestha, 23, on the grounds of the ruined building.

"It feels like the (current) government values the sacrifice we made," she told AFP next to a stack of burnt vehicles.

Banners bearing photos of people killed in the protests were hung in the parliament grounds.

Shah said on X that he hoped the anniversary would "inspire us all to move forward towards building a fair, transparent, and opportunity-filled Nepal".

Sushila Karki, who led Nepal as interim prime minister after Oli's government was overthrown, paid tribute to "all the brave individuals who lost their lives".

"Let us all perform our duties honestly, responsibly, and vigilantly... so that a situation never arises again in which people are forced to take to the streets once more for good governance and change," she said in a social media post.

An inquiry commission set up to investigate the violence submitted its report in April and recommended further probes against several officials including Oli.

The majority of the victims -- 51 people -- were shot dead, many in the head or chest, according to the report.

But there has been little genuine accountability, said Anish Acharya, 19, who came with flowers to pay his respects.

"Why did we sacrifice our lives, what did we get? There is no hope that change will come. Oli was arrested the next day but what then? The culprits are out and walking free," he told AFP.

"The government has not valued our sacrifices and demands."

Shah's administration is facing its toughest challenge since taking power as it leads rescue and recovery efforts following cataclysmic glacial floods on the border with China.

The August 26 disaster killed at least 1,399 people in the two countries, including 1,356 in Nepal, according to official tolls.

A total of 5,500 people are still missing in Nepal and China.

A.Evans--SFF