KATHMANDU, Dec 11: CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said the party has not changed but has instead become further strengthened in the evolving political context.
Oli, also a former Prime Minister who was ousted following the September 8 and 9 Gen Z protests, made the remarks while speaking with editors in the capital on Friday.
Implementation of apex court’s verdict has further strengthened...
Oli said the party’s upcoming 11th General Convention marks the re-establishment and awakening of the party’s strength and will focus on the reinstatement of the House of Representatives. “Our General Convention will bring the country back on track and help create national unity, restoring peace and good governance,” he said.
Reflecting at length on the September 8 and 9 protests, Oli reiterated that “real youths” did not orchestrate the vandalism and arson. He blamed criminal elements for the violence.
He sarcastically admitted that he and his party did have one weakness: trusting the state agencies responsible for maintaining law and order.
“We trusted the state security system. That was our mistake. We should have known the security forces were not enough. We should have defended our property and our parliament ourselves,” Oli said with a hint of irony.
He further stated that UML now aims to provide security not only to the party but also to individuals, society and the nation. Urging journalists to write without fear, he said, “You journalists should not be afraid. Don’t fear any phone calls — we, the CPN-UML, will provide security for all of you.”
