Kathmandu, Oct 7: The government is reportedly preparing to arrest former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak in connection with the violent suppression of the recent Gen-Z protests.
Under growing pressure from Gen-Z activists, Prime Minister Sushila Karki held a late-night meeting on Monday at Baluwatar, PM’s residence, with the chiefs of the four security agencies to discuss possible legal action against the two former leaders.
According to sources, the meeting—which continued until midnight—was attended by Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel, Home Secretary Rameshwar Dangal, Nepal Police Chief Chandrakuber Khapung, Armed Police Force Chief Raju Aryal, and National Investigation Department Chief Tekendra Karki.
Discussions focused on whether Oli and Lekhak could legally be detained within the bounds of due process. The deaths of 76 people during the Gen-Z protest reportedly became a central issue during the talks, with many holding the then-government responsible for the excessive use of force.
Some security officials and Gen-Z representatives present at the meeting, however, argued that the arrests should not take place while the commission led by former Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki is still investigating the state’s use of force during the protests.
Prime Minister Karki and Home Minister Aryal reportedly raised questions regarding the “legal basis” for such arrests.
Meanwhile, internal divisions have surfaced within the Gen-Z movement itself. One faction demands immediate action against those responsible for the crackdown—including then-Prime Minister Oli, Home Minister Lekhak, Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Chhabi Rijal and senior police officers—while another urges restraint and adherence to due process.
Some Gen-Z representatives have also called for the annulment of political appointments made by the previous government, the resignation of current CIAA Chief Commissioner Prem Kumar Rai, and the appointment of a new, impartial head.
Additionally, demands have emerged for the resignation of Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut. However, several Gen-Z leaders maintain that their movement does not endorse actions that fall outside constitutional and legal frameworks. #nepal #genz
