CHITWAN: Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, coordinator of the organizing committee of the CPN (Maoist Centre) convention, said that the Gen-Z youth movement was completely peaceful.
However, he criticized the then government for failing to prepare security measures and for handling the situation insensitively, which led to violence.
Speaking at a meeting with party leaders and activists in Chitwan on Thursday, Prachanda said, “The youth movement was entirely peaceful. But the government’s lack of preparedness and insensitive approach turned the situation violent. Targeting youths in college uniforms, hitting them in the head and chest, was internationally shameful.”
He recalled that on the night of September 8, the Maoist Centre held an emergency party meeting, declaring the movement’s victims as martyrs, forming a high-level investigation committee, and demanding the Prime Minister’s resignation.
“We legitimized the movement, urged opposition parties to present a unified stance, and coordinated directly to guide the country toward a peaceful solution,” he said.
Prachanda also described the security arrangements on September 9 when he had to seek protection inside Singh Durbar due to rising risks. “We weren’t taken anywhere; we assessed the situation and moved to a secure location with security help,” he noted.
He emphasized that the current political scenario leaves elections as the only viable path forward. “The president, prime minister, major parties, and the international community have concluded that elections are the priority. People will choose change through the ballot,” he said.
Even if the parliament is reinstated, he said that agenda has become secondary. “All parties except UML have agreed to move toward elections. Even within UML, the majority supports elections. Sooner or later, all parties will go to elections,” he added.
Targeting former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Prachanda criticized the lack of reflection on past mistakes. “His actions caused massive loss of life and property, yet there is still no remorse,” he said.
He confirmed that leftist unity is nearing completion. “The first phase of unifying parties within the Socialist Alliance will be announced in a few days. Our long-term goal is to unite all leftist forces, including UML,” he said.
Analysts have suggested that the Maoist Centre could emerge as the frontrunner in the upcoming elections. “It is estimated that among the three major parties, Maoists may come first,” he concluded.
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