In short:
Wyndham’s Nepalese community held a candlelight vigil in Tarneit for protesters shot dead in Nepal. Leaders expressed heartbreak and unity as Nepal faces political upheaval.
Vigil links diaspora with homeland struggles
Wyndham’s Nepalese community gathered in Tarneit last night 10th of September for a candlelight vigil to honour protesters shot dead during violent demonstrations in Nepal.
At least 19 people were killed when police opened fire on crowds protesting against a government ban on major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. The ban, introduced on 4 September, triggered mass unrest led by young people who accused leaders of corruption, nepotism and silencing free expression.
The crackdown has shaken Nepal, with Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak both resigning. The ban has since been lifted, but protests continue under heavy military patrols in Kathmandu and other cities.
In Tarneit, dozens gathered with candles to reflect on the lives lost and to show solidarity with those still calling for reform in Nepal.
Bikram Sharma Pangeni, President of Melbourne Nepalese Community West, described the emotional toll of the crisis. “We’re physically here but our heart is back in Nepal. At the moment we feel really heartbroken all over the world.”
Senior Vice President Parkash Timilsina highlighted the importance of community solidarity. “Wyndham is a community where a lot of Nepalese families are growing and we are holding hands here to send a very strong message we are uniting for our nation and our community.”
Community leaders said the vigil was a way to connect the pain of events abroad with the growing Nepalese presence in Wyndham, which has become home to thousands of families over recent years.
The gathering also reflected a sense of urgency among younger generations, who have driven much of the movement in Nepal by demanding change. Many see the protests as a pivotal moment for the country’s democracy.
Organisers in Tarneit said the vigil would not only honour those who died, but also strengthen awareness locally about the challenges Nepal is facing.
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