Om Prakash Aryal, a veteran advocate who was sworn in on Monday, September 15, as Home Minister as well as the Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, said the caretaker administration was formed with a clear mandate.
The interim government aims to conduct the general election on time in a free and impartial atmosphere, Aryal told reporters after assuming the office, reported news agency PTI.
He added that rebuilding infrastructure damaged during the unrest and ensuring good governance would remain top priorities. He also promised an inquiry into allegations of excessive force during the demonstrations that left at least 72 dead.
“If those displaced by the revolt see a path for reentry, they must test themselves through the election and seek citizens’ mandate,” Aryal was quoted as saying by PTI.
The new government is led by former Nepal Chief Justice Sushila Karki, who also became Nepal’s first woman prime minister. KP Sharma Oli had to resign following youth-led GenZ protests against corruption and a controversial social media ban.
The elections are scheduled for March 5, 2026.
Tourism industry hit by protests
The unrest erupted at a critical time for Nepal’s tourism sector. The protests began just as the September-December peak trekking season started.
A 30% fall in foreign arrivals was noted in comparison with last year, reported Reuters. Popular tourist hubs such as Thamel in Kathmandu remain largely deserted.
Trekking organisers and hotel owners have raised concerns as they expect complete cancellations for the coming month.
Images of burning government buildings and hotels prompted several countries to issue advisories against non-essential travel. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, told Reuters that cancellations were running at 8-10% in recent days and warned that the violence would affect both visitors and investors.
He noted that tourist arrivals are down 30% from usual.
Day of mourning on September 17
The government also declared Wednesday, September 17, as a national day of mourning to honour those killed during the protests.
Each bereaved family will receive 1.5 million Nepalese rupees in compensation, while a high-level judicial inquiry commission will investigate the incidents, as per PTI.
PM Karki said that those who died will be recognised as “martyrs.”
