Kathmandu, Dec 29: Nepal’s former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Monday told an inquiry commission that he had never issued any written or verbal order to open fire on protesters during the violent Gen-Z movement in early September, which left dozens dead and caused massive destruction.
According to official government data, at least 77 people were killed during the two-day protests on September 8 and 9, while public and private property worth over NPR 84 billion was damaged. Lekhak was serving as Home Minister in the coalition government led by then Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli at the time and has since faced allegations of authorising excessive use of force by security agencies.
The inquiry commission, constituted by the current Sushila Karki-led government to probe the violence, has already recorded statements from senior officials, including heads of security agencies and top administrators. As part of the investigation, the commission summoned Lekhak on Monday and is also planning to call former Prime Minister Oli.
In a written statement submitted to the commission, Lekhak maintained that no law empowers the Home Minister to issue direct instructions on the use of force. He claimed that a day before the protests, he had directed security agencies to ensure there were no casualties and to prevent any situation that could lead to loss of life.
Lekhak said that during a Central Security Committee meeting held on September 7, no decision was taken to use excessive force against protesters. He added that security agencies had instead been asked to remain alert against possible infiltration by vested interest groups.
Blaming infiltrators for hijacking what he described as a peaceful youth-led movement, Lekhak alleged that a deliberate conspiracy turned the protests violent, resulting in deaths and widespread arson. Several key state institutions, including Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court, government offices, police posts, residences of political leaders and business establishments, were vandalised or set ablaze.
Calling the violence a planned attack on democracy, Lekhak demanded strict action against those responsible. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Oli has said he will not appear before the commission, claiming it is biased and has already drawn conclusions against him.
