Kathmandu [Nepal], January 4: Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has provided a written statement to the high-level investigation committee probing the Gen-Z protests, after initially resisting appearing before the panel. Oli submitted the statement at his residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, responding to approximately 60 questions, following a notice from the commission requiring him to provide his account within seven days.
A member of Oli’s secretariat confirmed that the submission was handed directly to the commission team that had come to deliver the notice. Commission member and former DIG Bigyan Raj Sharma verified the notice delivery. Earlier, the commission had already recorded statements from nearly all individuals connected to the September 8–9 incidents, including former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah.
Oli also appeared at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Sunday to formally record his statement regarding the crackdown, vandalism, and violence during the Gen-Z protests. During the unrest, 23 protesters were killed in Kathmandu and Itahari, and the following day saw widespread property destruction, with a total of 76 fatalities, including deaths linked to looting and arson.
Oli had previously resisted cooperating, citing concerns over the impartiality of commission chair Sushila Karki and alleging bias against political leaders of the then government. He had also described the Karki-led commission as illegitimate and initially refused to submit a statement, prompting the commission to prepare for possible arrest to enforce compliance.
The latest submission is seen in the context of the approaching elections and travel restrictions imposed on Oli within the Kathmandu Valley. Commission officials have not disclosed the contents of his written statement. (ANI)
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