Former Home Minister Lekhak denies ordering use of force during Gen-Z protest

KATHMANDU: Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has denied allegations that he ordered the use of force during the September 8 Gen-Z protest.

Lekhak made his first public appearance since the Gen-Z movement on Friday, speaking to journalists following a meeting of Nepali Congress office bearers today.

The Gen-Z movement had taken to the streets on September 8 in protest against corruption and the government’s social media shutdown. In Kathmandu alone, 17 people were reportedly killed during the crackdown.

Speaking to reporters at the Nepali Congress central office on Friday, Lekhak clarified that no directive to use force was issued by either him or the Prime Minister at the time.

“Regardless of who the Prime Minister is, such matters are not for the Home Minister to decide alone. Neither I nor the Prime Minister issued any order to use force,” he said.

Lekhak expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and the destruction of government and private property during the unrest. He added that he was deeply saddened by the events and had resigned from his position in response.