Inquiry Commission Seeks Explanations from Political Leaders on Gen Z Protest Violence
Kathmandu, Nepal – An independent inquiry commission, established to investigate the use of force and instances of violence that marred the Gen Z protests in September, has formally requested explanations from key political figures. Letters have been dispatched to Sher Bahadur Deuba, President of the Nepali Congress, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, coordinator of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre).
A member of the commission confirmed that these missives seek detailed accounts of the events that transpired over a two-day period marked by significant unrest. Both leaders have reportedly received the letters. They have been afforded the option to either appear before the commission in person to provide their statements or submit written responses if a personal appearance proves unfeasible. Accompanying these requests is a comprehensive set of questions designed to elicit specific information regarding their roles and knowledge of the incidents.
The protests, which saw widespread participation from the younger generation, were not without their violent episodes. On September 9, a substantial throng of demonstrators reportedly targeted the residence of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, who held the position of Foreign Minister at the time. The incident at their Budhanilkantha home involved an alleged attack by the unruly crowd. On the very same day, a separate act of vandalism occurred at the residence of Pushpa Kamal Dahal in Khumaltar, Lalitpur, where protesters are said to have set fire to his home. Mr. Dahal had reportedly departed the premises prior to the incident.
The commission’s investigative scope is also extending to KP Sharma Oli, the chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) [CPN-UML]. Mr. Oli was serving as the Prime Minister during the period when these protests and subsequent violence took place. Officials involved in the commission’s work have already engaged in discussions with the current Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, regarding the forthcoming summons for Mr. Oli.
Speaking to reporters following a meeting with Prime Minister Karki at Singha Durbar on Thursday, the commission’s chairperson, Gauri Bahadur Karki, indicated that the finalisation of the letter to summon the CPN-UML chairman was underway. This suggests a deliberate and structured approach by the commission to gather evidence from all relevant high-profile individuals.
In addition to engaging with political leaders, the commission has been actively recording statements from various individuals involved. On Wednesday, a statement was recorded from former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. The meeting with Prime Minister Karki on Thursday also served as an opportunity for the commission to discuss its progress and findings.
Furthermore, as part of its ongoing operations, the commission announced on Thursday the lifting of a travel ban that had been previously imposed on Ramesh Lekhak. This decision may indicate that his cooperation with the inquiry has been deemed sufficient, or that his testimony is no longer deemed at risk of being compromised by travel. The commission’s efforts are focused on piecing together a comprehensive understanding of the events, the actions taken by various parties, and the circumstances that led to the reported violence during the Gen Z protests.
The commission’s methodical approach, involving written requests, potential personal testimonies, and interviews with key political figures and former officials, underscores the gravity with which these incidents are being treated. The outcome of this inquiry is anticipated to shed light on the responsibilities and potential accountability surrounding the unrest.
