KATHMANDU: The Communist Party of Nepal (UML) has called on its cadres to remain responsible, calm, and united following widespread violence, arson, and looting across the country on Monday and Tuesday.
In a joint statement, General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel and Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali expressed condolences for the 19 people killed and over 400 injured during the anti-corruption protests organized by the Gen-Z movement on September 8–9. They urged a thorough investigation and legal action against those responsible.
The statement also condemned the subsequent nationwide destruction, including damage to the Federal Parliament, President’s Office, Singha Durbar, Supreme Court, and other constitutional institutions, as well as the loss of rare historical and judicial records. Looting and attacks on hotels, banks, supermarkets, private properties, and vehicles were described as pushing the country decades backward.
UML stressed the need for an impartial investigation into how such destructive activities occurred, despite organizers’ prior commitment to peaceful protests, and highlighted the role of security agencies in the events.
Party cadres were urged to stay in contact, protect public life and property, maintain peace and security, and assist victims. The party emphasized that political solutions following the Prime Minister’s resignation must strictly follow the constitution and democratic procedures.
“Attempts to weaken the democratic republic and multiparty system must be avoided. Only within the framework of the constitution can governance, service delivery, and the aspirations of the youth be addressed,” the statement read.
The party also called for effective deployment of the Nepali Army and other security agencies to control ongoing violence and looting that exploit the current abnormal situation.
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