On a day when counting of votes from last week’s election in Nepal saw the Rastria Swatantra Party just short of a two-thirds majority in parliament, and the opposition Nepali Congress leader Gagan Thapa lose his seat, the report of an inquiry into the loss of lives in the GenZ protests last year was formally submitted to interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Sunday.
It could mean the end of many political and other careers given that 77 people died in that violence. Over 1000 pages, it records statements from 150 individuals, government officials, eyewitnesses, including the ousted prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli.
The contents of the report have not yet been made public but Karki’s press adviser was quoted by the Kathmandu Post as saying “The prime minister has said that even if the entire report cannot be made public, at least some of its key conclusions will be disclosed.”
The paper said the commission report has recommended criminal action against several officials and individuals including Oli and his home minister Ramesh Lekhak. But it’s not clear if the current interim government will take action on the report or yield to the new government.
Constitutional expert Chandrakant Gyawali said “The interim government itself is not expected to directly implement the report,” although the press adviser’s office has indicated immediate action could be taken.
This is a never before seen situation in Nepal where earlier inquiry commisisons were quietly shelved because it did not suit the parties then in power. Whether RSP leader Balen Shah will follow the norm or take action, which is certain to please his GenZ backers, must wait his formal swearing in and formation of the new government.
Names of politicians like Oli apart that of Chandra Kuber Kapung, Inspector-General of Police, Chhabi Lal Rijal, Kathmandu’s chief district officer, and Kathmandu District SP Bishwa Adhikari, have come up.
