KATHMANDU, Dec 9: As CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli continues to defy the commission investigating the human and material losses during the Gen-Z movement, the government is now preparing to extend the commission’s tenure—largely to bring Oli to the inquiry table.
The commission has yet to question several high-level officials. With time running out, officials say the deadline must be extended to ensure statements from political leaders, including Oli. “We did not publicise the call for statements because of Oli’s packed schedule, particularly the UML General Convention,” a commission official said. The commission’s term ends on 24 December. It was formed under former Special Court Chair Gauri Bahadur Karki and given three months to submit its findings.
Pressure is mounting. The commission must bring in both former PM Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak—who has already said he will appear if called. Commission Spokesperson Bigyan Raj Sharma insisted that the team is working on schedule. “We are recording statements and drafting the report. We still have time,” he said.
SC issues interim order to not extend GMR’s term
So far, the commission has taken statements from field-level officials, including then Kathmandu CDO Chhabi Rijal, as well as AIGs and DIGs involved in the operation. Former Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal has also testified, while Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi is next in line.
“Everyone is watching to see whether former PM Oli and former Home Minister Lekhak will finally be brought in,” another official said. According to sources, Rijal’s statement alone took hours because of his central role in the force used on 8 September. The commission has also questioned the then AIGs and the IGP. “We are accelerating the process. Statements from field officers are nearly done, and we will soon write to former ministers,” Sharma added.
Complications continue to pile up. The Nepal Army has refused to provide information to the commission. Meanwhile, former Inspector General of Police Chandra Kuber Khapung, while providing details, warned the commission not to undermine police morale, stating that the entire police force had been deployed during the protests.
The commission’s legitimacy itself has come under judicial scrutiny. A writ petition filed at the Supreme Court challenges the independence of the Karki-led panel, which is investigating the 8 September crackdown and the looting, vandalism and arson on 9 September during the Gen-Z movement.
When the court declined to issue an interim order, the case was referred to a full bench for a detailed hearing. Advocate Bipin Dhakal filed the petition arguing that Chair Karki had expressed opinions about possible action even before his appointment, and continued to act with bias afterwards.
The writ filed on 28 October reached Justice Nripa Dhwoj Niraula’s bench on 29 October, which scheduled another hearing for the following day. A division bench of Justices Hari Prasad Phuyal and Abdul Aziz Musalman then declined to issue an interim order on 30 October, stating that the matter required a full bench due to its seriousness.
The case remains under consideration. Oli, meanwhile, has publicly objected to Karki’s leadership and has repeatedly refused to appear for questioning.
-1200x560-1765267769.webp)
