KATHMANDU: Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has revealed that ahead of the Gen-Z protest on September 8, he held discussions with then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, during which clear instructions were given to maintain peace and ensure that there would be no casualties.
Lekhak disclosed this while addressing a press conference after recording his statement before the probe commission led by Gauri Bahadur Karki, which is investigating the incidents of September 8-9.
He said he had sought time from Prime Minister Oli for consultations even before the Central Security Committee meeting on September 7. Following the meeting, Lekhak said they went directly from Singha Durbar to Baluwatar for an informal discussion, which was also attended by then Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung.
According to Lekhak, the discussion concluded with an understanding to ensure coordination among all security agencies to maintain law and order.“While parting ways at Baluwatar, the then Prime Minister and I instructed all security agencies to work in coordination and ensure that there would be no casualties,” Lekhak stated in his testimony.
He said security chiefs were directed accordingly. Lekhak also claimed that on the morning of September 8, he personally called Inspector General of Police Chandra Kuber Khapung, Armed Police Force Chief Raju Aryal, and Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Dawadi, urging them to ensure that no casualties occurred.
Lekhak said he had issued three clear instructions to security agencies during the Central Security Committee meeting: first, to avoid any loss of life and exercise maximum caution; second, to manage peace and security in a coordinated manner; and third, to remain alert as the protest could be leaderless and vulnerable to infiltration. He emphasized that there was no plan or decision to use excessive force.
He said the protest was expected to be peaceful but alleged that “anti-democratic elements” hijacked the movement and turned it violent.“Even Gen-Z leaders themselves posted messages on social media saying the movement had succeeded and was being hijacked into violence, urging participants to return home,” Lekhak recalled.
After violence broke out around the Parliament building and the New Baneshwor area, Lekhak said he immediately informed Prime Minister Oli, the Defense Minister, and the Chief of Army Staff.
The September 8 incident resulted in the deaths of 19 people and injuries to hundreds. Lekhak resigned as Home Minister following the incident.
Reiterating his commitment to democracy, rule of law, and civil liberties, Lekhak said he could never even think of suppressing citizens’ right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, or criticism. He added that while the government believed the protest would remain peaceful, the events did not unfold as intended.
The probe commission is now preparing to summon former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to record his statement.
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