KATHMANDU: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has expressed sorrow over the heavy loss of life and property during the recent Gen-Z–led protests, while stressing that Nepal’s political way forward must remain within the framework of the constitution.
In a statement issued Thursday, Bhandari said the nation had been left shaken by the killing of youths in police firing on Monday, followed by widespread violence, arson, looting, vandalism, and clashes across the country. According to the Ministry of Health, 34 people have so far been killed and thousands injured.
Extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured, Bhandari urged the government to ensure free and effective medical treatment for all those hurt. She said democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and civil liberties were the foundation of Nepal’s modern political system, and appealed to all sides to guide the younger generation’s demand for good governance and transparency in the right direction.
Bhandari noted that key state structures such as Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court, the President’s Office, and Parliament had been set on fire during the unrest, an alarming development that required clear answers.
“With the prime minister having resigned and the president’s resignation accepted, the government is now in a caretaker position. But constitutional institutions like the presidency and parliament remain intact,” she said, urging the president to play a coordinating role and initiate the formation of a new cabinet through constitutional procedures.
The former president recalled that the democratic republic was established through enormous sacrifice and struggle, and said the political exit must adhere to the spirit and principles of the constitution. She urged political parties to seriously review past failures and focus on effective implementation of economic policies, plans, and programs.
Bhandari further stressed that in such a difficult moment, parties must show internal unity, cooperation, and coordination to steer the country in the right direction. She also underlined the need to respect the enthusiasm and democratic aspirations of the Gen-Z generation, cautioning that no decision should undermine popular sovereignty or democratic values.
She expressed gratitude to the Nepali people for exercising restraint amid hardship and to the army and security forces working to maintain peace and order.
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