Prime Minister Sushila Karki announced plans to bring those responsible for last week’s violent clashes and destruction during anti-government protests in Nepal to justice. The Prime Minister also declared that individuals who died during the Gen-Z demonstrations will be recognized as martyrs, with each family receiving 10 lakh Nepalese rupees as compensation.
Karki, 73, assumed her role at the newly-constructed Home Ministry building in the Singh Durbar Secretariat in Kathmandu. President Ramchandra Paudel appointed the former Chief Justice of Nepal as acting Prime Minister, following the Gen-Z group’s recommendation. This group had successfully ousted the K.P. Sharma Oli government after a two-day protest that concluded on Tuesday.
In related developments, sources from the President’s office reported that President Paudel, upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has appointed Kulman Ghising, Rameshwar Khanal, and Om Prakash Aryal as ministers. Ghising is set to receive the portfolios of Energy, Urban Development, and Road and Transport. Khanal will take on Finance, and Aryal will oversee the Home Ministry. The three ministers are scheduled to be sworn in at the President’s office later today.
Following the arson at the Prime Minister’s office during the violent protests, the government relocated the Prime Minister’s office to the newly built Home Ministry building within the Singh Durbar complex. Addressing a meeting with secretaries and senior government officials immediately upon taking office, Prime Minister Karki stated that those involved in the violence and destruction of both public and private property will be held accountable.
Regarding the events of September 9, she stated that the arson and vandalism were premeditated, emphasizing that the Gen-Z protesters were not involved. According to Karki, the nature of the arson and destruction constituted a criminal act that was carefully planned. She affirmed that those responsible must face punishment.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister directed Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal to organize the repair of police stations that were damaged across the country. The protests, which initially emerged on social media last Monday in response to government restrictions, quickly transformed into a broader movement. This shift highlighted public frustration over corruption and the alleged apathy of the political class.
K.P. Sharma Oli resigned after protesters breached his office, demanding his resignation due to the deaths of at least 19 people during police actions. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Aryal revealed that the total number of fatalities during the protests has reached 72, which included three police officers, 59 protesters, and 10 prisoners.