Kathmandu [Nepal], March 9 (HBTV): A high-level probe committee investigating the 'Gen Z' protests that took place in September last year, which left several people dead and forced the fall of the K P Sharma Oli government, has officially submitted its comprehensive findings to Nepal's interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, The Himalayan Times reported.
The extensive document, spanning more than 1,000 pages, was compiled by a commission chaired by former justice Gauri Bahadur Karki. The panel also included legal expert Bishweshwar Prasad Bhandari and Bigyan Raj Sharma, a former additional inspector general of police.
According to The Himalayan Times, Bigyan Raj Sharma confirmed that the commission interviewed around 200 individuals and consulted various experts before concluding the investigation. The final report recommended 'action against those found responsible' for the events.
Chairperson Karki emphasised that the commission performed its duties 'impartially and in good faith', ensuring that the document reflects only 'facts established during the investigation'. He also noted that the report outlines specific recommendations aimed at ensuring that similar incidents do not recur.
Addressing the root causes of the unrest, Karki said the 'incident stemmed largely from poor governance and weakened regulatory institutions'. The Himalayan Times reported that he also pointed to systemic delays within the executive and judiciary, along with 'political power-sharing in judicial and constitutional appointments', which had significantly 'fuelled public frustration'.
Clarifying the panel's mandate, Sharma said the commission's primary 'role was limited to fact-finding'. He added that it is now the responsibility of the 'relevant authorities' to carry out further inquiries and initiate 'action based on the report'.
Supporting this view, member Bhandari said that a commitment to 'implementing the report's recommendations on good governance' could 'significantly improve the country's situation', according to The Himalayan Times.
The 'Gen Z' group had carried out nationwide protests on Bhadra 23–24 (September 8–9), which resulted in the deaths of at least 76 people and forced then-communist leader KP Sharma Oli to resign. An interim government was subsequently formed following the dissolution of parliament.