Loktantra Diwas being celebrated today

Kathmandu, April 24 – The seventh anniversary of Loktantra Diwas is being observed across the nation Wednesday.

Exactly seven years ago this day, a democratic movement (called the People's Movement of 2006) led by the people of the country against despotism had turned the country into a federal republican state.

Since that day Loktantra Diwas is observed to commemorate the people's struggle that forced erstwhile king Gyanendra Shah to end his autocratic rule and restore democratic rights.

The events forced Shah to reinstate the House of Representatives, ending his 15-month direct rule relenting to the pressure of the 19-day long democratic movement on Baisakh 11, 2063 BS (April, 2006). Twenty-four people were killed and thousands wounded in the course of the movement.

The government has declared a public holiday to mark Loktantra Diwas.