KATHMANDU, APRIL 8

The nation is observing Jana Aandolan Diwas (People's Movement Day) today, commemorating the historic day when multi-party democracy was restored in Nepal on April 8, 1990, ending three decades of party-less Panchayat rule.

Various programmes are being organized across the country to mark the day that symbolized the triumph of democracy and the people's struggle for political freedom.

The People's Movement of 1990, led by the Nepali Congress in coordination with the United Left Front, was a decisive uprising against the Panchayat system-a party-less political structure introduced by King Mahendra on December 15, 1960. The movement, launched on February 18, 1990, coinciding with the 39th anniversary of democracy in Nepal, continued for 50 days under the command of senior Nepali Congress leader Ganesh Man Singh.

The movement culminated on April 8, 1990, when King Birendra, in a nationally televised address, announced the restoration of multi-party democracy, lifted the ban on political parties, and re-established constitutional monarchy in the country.

People's Movement Day is observed every year to honor the sacrifices made by citizens and leaders who fought for democratic values and political change in Nepal.