Former PM KP Sharma Oli Questioned Over Gen-Z Protest Crackdown

Kathmandu. Investigative officers have recorded the statement of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently in police custody. Arrested for his alleged role in the crackdown on the Gen-Z movement on Bhadau 23 and 24, Oli is currently receiving treatment under police guard at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Investigative officers and government prosecutors recorded his statement at the hospital.

The questioning of Oli has concluded. Officers posed over 35 questions to him. He denied ordering the use of lethal weapons that resulted in the deaths of teenagers in Baneshwor, Kathmandu, on Bhadau 23. According to an officer involved in the investigation, Oli stated in his testimony, 'I did not give the order to use lethal weapons to control the mob; that is a matter handled at the district level.'

Regarding the Gen-Z movement, Oli claimed that during a discussion with security agencies on the night of Bhadau 22, he was briefed that '6-7 thousand Gen-Z protesters would gather and the demonstration would be peaceful.' In his statement, Oli said, 'When I discussed it with security chiefs, I told them to maintain peace and security.'

Oli maintained that as Prime Minister, he had instructed that casualties be avoided while controlling the unrest. Stating that the use of force does not fall under the Prime Minister's jurisdiction, he said, 'I told them to minimize damage; the decision to use force is not my domain.'

Ramhari Kafle, Chief of the Kathmandu District Government Attorney's Office, informed Ratopati that the statement was completed around 12:00 AM on Thursday.

In his statement, Oli asserted that the Prime Minister does not have the authority to order police to open fire. He stated, 'It is not for the Prime Minister to say that shots should be fired.'

Oli revealed that after the casualties in Baneshwor on Bhadau 23, a Cabinet meeting was held in the evening, where it was decided to form a commission for an impartial investigation, provide treatment to the injured, and offer relief to the families of the deceased. He said, 'The government's intention was to ensure minimal use of weapons and avoid human casualties. The government had no intention of mobilizing the army, so that was not done.'

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