KATHMANDU: Balendra Shah (Balen), the then-Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, has testified that the violent events of September 9, 2025 (Bhadau 24) were a direct result of the government’s “terrorist-style” excessive use of force the previous day. In a statement provided to the Gauri Bahadur Karki-led investigative commission, Shah argued that the then-government and its coalition partners must bear full responsibility for the resulting chaos and destruction.

According to the commission’s report, obtained by Nepal News, Shah clarified that his involvement in calming the unrest on September 9 came only after he received personal requests from both the President and the Chief of Army Staff. He maintained that while the state’s brutal tactics on September 8 triggered the uprising, his intervention and social media appeals played a crucial role in preventing further escalation and protecting the lives of citizens.

Here is the full testimony of Balen Shah:

“I was at my official residence in Lainchaur on September 8 and 9, 2025 (Bhadau 23 and 24). While I supported the peaceful rally on the 8th, I was not personally part of the protest movement. The Metropolitan Police Force distributed water that day following requests from local businesses and restaurants. I learned of the escalating tension on the evening of the 8th through media reports.

My statements on social media actually helped calm the uncontrolled movement. I had issued an appeal through social media platforms for restraint in order to protect lives and property. Following the incidents, we coordinated with the Metropolitan Police Force and other departments to provide immediate and necessary assistance to the injured and the families of the deceased.

The events of September 9 were tragic and likely a consequence of the government’s excessive use of force and ‘terrorist-like’ tactics on the 8th. On the 9th, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) dispatched fire engines in a timely manner; it was the Metropolitan fire services that controlled the fires at structures within the city.

At the request of the Right Honorable President and the Chief of Army Staff, I played a role in calming the protests. It was the then-government that engaged in criminal and terrorist activities, and the government and the participating political parties must take full responsibility for all the damages. Regarding my Facebook post where I used the phrase ‘I will burn it down,’ that was expressed as a metaphor in protest after the city’s garbage trucks were unnecessarily blocked while heading to Bancharedanda.”