KATHMANDU, Sept 28
The High-Level Judicial Inquiry Commission, formed to investigate the killings and vandalism during the September 8–9 Gen Z protests, has imposed a travel ban on ousted Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and three other high-ranking government officials.
The commission said that Oli, who also chairs the CPN-UML, “has come under investigative radar.” It requested the relevant government bodies to place a passport restriction on those named in the case.
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The commission also asked law enforcement agencies to prevent the individuals from leaving the Kathmandu Valley without permission, noting that they may be summoned at any time.
Besides Oli and Lekhak, the notice names former Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, former National Investigation Department chief Hutraj Thapa, and former Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Chabilal Rijal.
On September 8, security forces used excessive force against young protesters, killing 19 people. The following day, the protests escalated and took a violent turn as rioters set fire to major government buildings, including Singha Durbar and the Parliament building.
As a result, then–Prime Minister Oli resigned. By September 9, at least 74 people had been killed before the army took the initiative to bring the protests under control.
Civil society members have welcomed the commission’s move, calling it a routine step that both ensures an impartial investigation and offers some relief to families of those killed or injured.
Political science professor Krishna Pokharel said, “The government’s action is late. It should have come earlier, as it helps heal the wounds inflicted by the previous government. It’s the demand of the Gen Z protest.”
Constitutional expert Bhimarjun Acharya voiced a similar view, describing the commission’s action as both necessary and standard.
