KATHMANDU, Sept 9: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said the truth about the events of September 8 and 9, 2025 must be established through an impartial, independent and credible investigation.
Marking the first anniversary of the two days of unrest, Bhandari paid tribute to those who lost their lives and expressed condolences to their families. She also wished those injured and undergoing treatment a speedy recovery.
Noting that Nepal’s political situation has changed significantly over the past year, Bhandari said the political discontent and aspirations of the younger generation that emerged from the events had created a new political situation.
As citizens have already expressed their mandate through elections, she said everyone has a shared responsibility to institutionalise the changes through democratic means and move the country toward good governance, transparency, accountability and prosperity.
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However, she said several serious questions surrounding the events of September 8 and 9 remain unanswered even after a year. She argued that the loss of life on September 8 should not be viewed in the same way as the violence, arson, vandalism and destruction of public and private property witnessed on September 9.
“Even after a year, several serious questions about the events of September 8 and 9 remain unanswered. It would not be appropriate to view the events of the two days simply as being of the same nature. The loss of life on September 8 and the widespread violence, arson, vandalism and destruction of public and private property seen on September 9 appear to have been different in nature and circumstances,” she said.
She said activities distinct from the legitimate demands and core spirit of the movement were also seen, while serious questions had been raised about possible outside infiltration or the involvement of undesirable elements. The facts, she said, must be established through an impartial investigation.
Bhandari noted that the National Human Rights Commission has already made public its investigation report and issued recommendations to the government. Although the report of the inquiry commission formed by the government has not been formally released, she said some details had emerged through the media. Still, questions concerning the overall nature of the events, the violence and destruction, and the role of those involved have not been fully resolved.
“The truth, facts and responsibility concerning the events of both days must be established impartially, independently and credibly, without prejudice or political motives,” she said.
Bhandari said political retribution should not be pursued in the name of justice. Those responsible must be held accountable on the basis of evidence and law, while the innocent must be protected from injustice. The law, she said, must apply equally to state agencies and citizens who participated in the movement.
Recalling that she viewed positively the younger generation’s demands for good governance, corruption control, transparency and accountability, Bhandari said their voices and dissent must be respected to strengthen democracy.
She also stressed that rights come with responsibilities in a democracy. No political demand can be greater than citizens’ lives, nor can any movement be greater than the nation’s public property, she said.
Bhandari urged that the pain of September 8 and 9 be turned into an opportunity for national reflection and reform, rather than a basis for political division and retribution. She called for the energy, knowledge and creativity of the younger generation to be channelled into building a prosperous Nepal.
She also called for turning strong questions into dialogue, addressing dissent through democratic means and overcoming division through national unity. This, she said, would be the true tribute to the victims of the tragic events and a responsibility toward future generations.
