KATHMANDU: Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has given a statement to the high-level probe commission regarding incidents that occurred during the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9.
Lekhak recorded his statement before the commission, led by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki, for nearly two hours on Monday, from 12:45 pm to 2:45 pm. He submitted a six-page written statement to the commission. After giving his testimony, Lekhak held a press conference at the Nepali Congress parliamentary party office.
In his statement, Lekhak clarified the background of the movement, the security arrangements at the time, his moral responsibility, and his expectations from the commission.
He categorically denied allegations that he had instructed security forces to use force or fire bullets during the protests. Lekhak stated that neither the former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli nor he, as Home Minister, had any legal authority to issue such orders.
“A minister does not have the legal authority to order firing or repression. During the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9, no written or verbal order was issued to open fire,” he stated, adding that there is no legal provision allowing ministers to give such directives.
Lekhak said he resigned from his post by accepting moral responsibility as a political leader following the incidents.
He further claimed that attacks on leaders’ residences, ashrams, and state structures during the movement were carried out in a planned and sponsored manner. According to him, on Bhadra 24, specific targets were deliberately attacked, leaders’ ashrams were set on fire, and serious criminal activities took place.
Lekhak also alleged that the Gen-Z movement was infiltrated. He stated that infiltration began after the procession reached New Baneshwor from Maitighar on September 8. Even after the Gen-Z organizers had announced the conclusion of the protest, vandalism and violence were carried out in a premeditated manner.
Concluding his statement, Lekhak said acts of vandalism and violence were committed in the name of the Gen-Z movement through deliberate infiltration.
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