Former Nepalese prime minister KP Sharma Oli has denied ordering police to open fire on anti-corruption protesters during recent unrest that led to his resignation.
In his first public appearance since stepping down, Oli stated that the police did not possess the type of weapons used in the shootings and suggested that external elements may have been involved. He emphasized that his government did not authorize the use of live ammunition against demonstrators.
The protests, primarily led by Generation Z, were sparked by widespread corruption and unemployment. They escalated into the nation’s deadliest unrest in decades, resulting in at least 74 deaths and over 2,000 injuries.
Protesters targeted government buildings, including the prime minister’s office, the Supreme Court, and luxury properties linked to alleged corrupt elites, reports Agencies.
In response to the violence, Nepal’s interim government, led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, established a three-member panel to investigate the incidents. The panel, headed by retired judge Gauri Bahadur Karki, has a three-month mandate to examine the violence, including police excesses and acts of vandalism.
Oli’s resignation followed public outrage over the government’s handling of the protests. His decision to block social media platforms, including Meta Platforms’ Facebook, sparked nationwide protests led by young activists who accused him of silencing dissent and protecting a corrupt elite.
The government’s response, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets, intensified public anger and led to widespread demonstrations.
The interim government’s investigation aims to address the root causes of the unrest and restore public trust. The outcome of the probe will likely have significant implications for Nepal’s political future and its efforts to combat corruption and promote accountability.
