Nepal’s Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, announced that those implicated in last week’s violent incidents and destruction during anti-government demonstrations will be held accountable. She also stated that individuals who lost their lives during the Gen-Z protests will be recognized as martyrs, with each bereaved family receiving 10 lakh Nepalese rupees in compensation.
Karki, 73, assumed her new position at the recently constructed Home Ministry building located within the Singh Durbar Secretariat in Kathmandu. President Ramchandra Paudel appointed the former Chief Justice of Nepal as acting Prime Minister, acting on the Gen-Z group’s recommendation. This group had successfully removed the K.P. Sharma Oli government following a two-day protest that concluded on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the President’s office disclosed that President Paudel, acting on the Prime Minister’s advice, has appointed Kulman Ghising, Rameshwar Khanal, and Om Prakash Aryal as ministers. Ghising is assigned to the portfolios of Energy, Urban Development, and Road and Transport; Khanal will handle Finance, and Aryal will be in charge of the Home Ministry. These ministers will be sworn in at the President’s office later today.
In response to the arson at the Prime Minister’s office during the violent protests, the government has relocated the Prime Minister’s office to the newly constructed Home Ministry building in the Singh Durbar complex. Upon taking office, Prime Minister Karki addressed secretaries and senior government officials, stating that those responsible for the violence and destruction of public and private property would be brought to justice.
Regarding the events of September 9, she emphasized that the arson and vandalism were pre-planned and that the Gen-Z protesters were not involved in such actions. Karki indicated that the nature of the arson and destruction constituted a criminal act that was carefully planned and that those responsible must face punishment.
Additionally, the Prime Minister instructed Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal to arrange for the repair of damaged police stations throughout the country. The protests, which began on social media last Monday in opposition to government restrictions, swiftly escalated into a larger movement, reflecting public frustration regarding corruption and perceived political indifference.
K.P. Sharma Oli resigned after protestors entered his office, demanding his resignation because of at least 19 deaths from police actions during the protests. Chief Secretary Aryal announced that the death toll from the protests has reached 72, including three police officers, 59 protesters, and 10 prisoners.
