Kathmandu, March 8: A probe panel in Nepal has submitted its report regarding the Gen-Z protests that occurred last September to Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki. These protests resulted in over 70 fatalities and led to the fall of KP Sharma Oli’s government.
The report, which spans nearly 1,000 pages, was prepared by a three-member committee chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki.
Earlier media reports suggested that the government was reluctant to release the report before the elections on March 5. The Kathmandu Post noted last month, “The findings and recommendations of the commission led by Gauri Bahadur Karki are considered highly significant. Leaders from older parties have warned that if the report is released before the elections and implicates candidate leaders, it could disrupt the electoral process. As the election code of conduct is already in effect, the Election Commission also has the authority to advise the government on this matter.”
The government established the commission on September 21, initially granting it three months to complete its work. However, this period was later extended by 20 days. A report published by The Kathmandu Post in early February cited two unnamed ministers indicating that, although no formal discussions took place, the government was not keen on receiving the report before the March elections.
Despite pressure from human rights organizations and Gen-Z groups, the interim government decided to accept the report only after the elections, following the Election Commission’s advice. The report is expected to mention influential figures, which could impact the electoral process.
Commission members interviewed nearly 200 individuals and consulted experts before finalizing the report, which recommends action against those found culpable. According to the report, statements were recorded by the first week of February, including testimonies from prominent leaders such as former Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Communist Party leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), and former Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Balendra Shah, a potential candidate for Prime Minister.
Members also interviewed security agency officials, including the then Inspector General of Nepal Police, his successor, the current Inspector General, the Chief of Armed Police Force, the Army Chief, and the former head of the National Investigation Department.
The commission’s mandate included investigating all damages incurred during the protests on September 8 and 9, recommending actions, analyzing information related to damages or petitions, presenting measures to prevent such incidents in the future, and outlining a clear action plan for implementing the recommendations in the report.
The scope of the commission was later expanded following a ten-point agreement between Gen-Z representatives and the government on November 30.
According to a report from Kantipur News last year, Gauri Bahadur Karki had already stirred controversy by publicly stating that those involved in suppressing the Gen-Z movement should be punished and investigated before even assuming the role of commission chairman.
The report raises concerns, stating, “How can a person who has already formed an opinion before the commission was established work independently?”
An experienced administrator from Kathmandu remarked that the public release of the report could lead to retaliation against those responsible for the violence, particularly against names associated with police shootings that resulted in 17 deaths, including that of a schoolboy. He noted that Gauri Bahadur Karki is a “stern and aggressive” individual who will not shy away from any apprehensions.
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My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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