Kathmandu, 17 Sep: The government is preparing to form an inquiry commission to investigate the crackdown on the Gen-Z protests and the alleged human rights violations. The commission will be led by a former judge, though its composition and members have not yet been finalized. Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission has already formed a task force under commissioner Lily Thapa to look into the violations, with a mandate to submit a report within 45 days.
So far, the protests have claimed the lives of 73 people, including youths, students, security personnel, prisoners, and others. Following the collapse of the Oli-led government, backed by Congress and UML, an interim cabinet under former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was formed. The interim government has the responsibility not only to investigate the casualties and property losses but also to hold parliamentary elections within six months.
Interim Government Takes Charge Amidst Unrest
On September 12 (Bhadra 27), Sushila Karki took the oath of office from President Ram Chandra Paudel as interim prime minister. Two days later, on September 14 (Bhadra 29), she assumed office at Singha Durbar and inducted three ministers: Rameshwor Khanal (Finance), Om Prakash Aryal (Home and Law), and Kulman Ghising (Energy, Urban Development, Physical Infrastructure, and Transport).
The interim cabinet swiftly declared the slain Gen-Z youths as martyrs, announced NPR 1.5 million in relief to each bereaved family, and designated September 17 (Ashoj 1) as a National Day of Mourning. The cabinet also resolved to establish an inquiry commission to investigate the crackdown.
Nationwide Destruction Raises Questions
Despite these steps, widespread destruction has raised questions about accountability. On September 9 (Bhadra 24), protesters and infiltrators torched or vandalized major national structures: the President’s Office, Prime Minister’s Residence, Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court, and Parliament buildings, along with over 200 police offices. Key valley police units, including the Crime Investigation Office, were reduced to ashes, leaving police unable to return to normal duty.
Authorities face the daunting challenge of investigating the destruction while lacking their own operational units. The Central Investigation Bureau, Special Bureau, and intelligence agencies have begun collecting evidence, but concerns remain over whether the devastation resulted from spontaneous anger, deliberate infiltration, or organized sabotage.
Calls for Accountability and Deeper Investigation
Human rights advocates and constitutional experts stress the need for impartial, effective investigation. Professor Bipin Adhikari argues that the state must not delay in probing the excessive force used on September 8 (Bhadra 23) and the coordinated destruction that followed the next day. He warns that failure to distinguish between genuine protest and planned infiltration could be disastrous, even suggesting elements of treason may be involved.
Former NHRC member Mohna Ansari insists that those responsible for human rights abuses and destruction must face trial without compromise. Constitutional expert Bhimarjun Acharya echoes these views, saying that the interim government cannot afford to delay action, as the scale of destruction threatened Nepal’s sovereignty and democratic institutions.
NHRC commissioner Lily Thapa confirmed that her task force has already started field monitoring, evidence collection, and hospital visits, with a report due in 45 days.
