KATHMANDU: Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has stated that if anyone summoned by the high-level investigative commission probing the events of the Gen-Z movement on September 8-9 refuses to give a statement, the government will assist in ensuring their appearance before the commission.
Speaking on Sunday at the Ministry of Home Affairs during a meeting with the Gen-Z 2.0 group, Aryal clarified the authority of the commission, led by Gauri Bahadur Karki, and the role of the government.
“The commission is independent and exercises its authority. If someone fails to appear when summoned, the government will facilitate their statement,” Aryal said.
Although Aryal did not name anyone directly, his remarks were aimed at former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, who has refused to appear before the commission. Oli has publicly declared that he will not provide a statement, arguing that he is not guilty in the events under investigation and does not recognize the commission.
Aryal indicated that force could be used if necessary, emphasizing: “If summoned, a statement must be given; otherwise, the government will facilitate it.”
The commission is preparing to record statements from senior government officials involved during the September 8-9 movement, including former Prime Minister Oli, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and former Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, Chhabilal Rijal.
The commission has already compiled a report on nationwide damages caused during the protests and has recorded a statement from Ravi Lamichhane, Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, who escaped from jail on September 9.
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