Kathmandu, September 9
CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli has described September 9, 2025, as a day of “horrific destruction”, saying the violence that followed the Gen Z protests amounted to a major attack on the foundations of the state, democracy and the national economy.
In a video message issued on Wednesday, marking one year since the events, Oli said the Gen Z movement began peacefully on September 8 but was later infiltrated by criminal groups that, according to him, deliberately turned the protests violent.
He said young people had taken to the streets over issues including good governance and restrictions on social media, and that the Constitution guaranteed citizens the right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.
“But criminal groups infiltrated the peaceful demonstration and deliberately incited violence,” Oli said.
He alleged that young protesters were deliberately surrounded and taken towards the Parliament building, where the situation escalated and gunfire resulted in deaths.
Oli remembered those who died during the protests, including young people and police officers killed while on duty, and offered condolences to their families. He also wished those still receiving treatment a full recovery.
According to Oli, however, the events of September 9 went far beyond the anger generated by the deaths on the previous day.
He pointed to attacks on the President’s Office, the Prime Minister’s residence, Singha Durbar, the Parliament building, the Supreme Court, political party offices and public and private property.
“The scale of vandalism, looting, arson and loss of life was not simply an emotional reaction to the human losses of the previous day,” he said.
Oli described September 9 as the culmination of what he called a “dangerous conspiracy” aimed at reversing what he termed Nepal’s progressive path of nationalism, democracy and constitutionalism and pushing the country towards authoritarianism and anarchy.
He also questioned why those responsible for the destruction have not been held accountable.
“Why are the accused in the September 9 destruction being given immunity? Why are the reports being kept secret?” he asked.
Oli said the concerns and intentions of the young protesters were genuine, but argued that other forces had taken advantage of the violence carried out in the name of the Gen Z movement.
He said frustration among young people remains widespread and urged that the events of last year should not be repeated.
Oli also criticised what he described as attempts to spread hatred and retaliation against democratic institutions and political parties.
He warned that such efforts could push the country further towards regression.
Calling for unity, Oli urged what he described as patriotic, democratic, progressive and left-wing forces, along with people seeking peace, to stand together in defence of democracy, the Constitution, national interests and Nepal’s sovereignty.
He called on the public to use the anniversary of September 9 to commit to opposing impunity and anarchy and to work towards national security and a prosperous Nepal.
