Nepal marks Loktantra Day: Celebrating triumph over monarchy

KATHMANDU: Loktantra Day is being celebrated nationwide today to commemorate the historic victory of the April Uprising, which marked the triumph of the republic system.

The April Uprising, also known as People’s Movement-II, peacefully ended Nepal’s 250-year-old monarchy, thanks to the joint efforts of seven political parties and the rebel CPN (Maoist).

Under the leadership of King Gyanendra Shah, the House of Representatives (HoR) was reinstated, following a political roadmap outlined by the political parties.

Subsequently, on Jestha 4, 2063 BS, the HoR suspended the monarchy and entrusted the Prime Minister with the responsibility of Officiating Head of the State.

Amidst various political challenges, Nepal witnessed the signing of a historic comprehensive peace accord, bringing an end to the decade-long insurgency.

This led to the promulgation of a new constitution in 2072 BS (2015) through the Constituent Assembly (CA), fulfilling the aspirations of citizens who made immense sacrifices.

People’s Movement-II also paved the way for federalism, inclusivity, proportional representation, and secularism, ensuring the participation of women and marginalized groups in state affairs.

The significance of Republic Day lies in the restoration of people’s rights, which were suppressed during the monarchy, reinstated on Baishakh 11, 2063 BS.

Discontent against the monarchy grew notably after King Gyanendra assumed the role of chairperson of the Council of Ministers on Magh 19, 2061 BS.

The groundwork for the people’s movement was laid with the signing of the 12-point agreement between seven political parties and CPN (Maoist) on Mangsir 12, 2062 BS.

The movement aimed to reinstate the dissolved Parliament on Jestha 8, 2059 BS, and abolish the monarchy, eventually leading to the birth of the republic system in Nepal.