Nepal PM Karki says those involved in violence during ‘Gen Z’ protest will be brought to justice
Karki, 73, who became the first woman prime minister of Nepal, also announced that those who were killed during the ‘Gen Z’ protest will be declared “martyrs” and their families will be provided one million Nepalese rupees each
Nepal Prime Minister Sushila Karki (Photo/X)
KATHMANDU:Nepal Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Sunday said that those involved in violence and destruction across the country during the anti-government protests last week will be brought to justice as she assumed office.
Karki, 73, who became the first woman prime minister of Nepal, also announced that those who were killed during the ‘Gen Z’ protest will be declared “martyrs” and their families will be provided one million Nepalese rupees each.
She assumed office at the newly-built Home Ministry building at Singhdurbar Secretariat in Kathmandu at around 11 am.
Meanwhile, Kulman Ghising, Rameshwor Khanal and Om Prakash Aryal have been appointed as ministers by President Paudel on the prime minister’s recommendation, according to sources at the President’s Office.
Ghising will get Energy, Urban Development and Road and Transport; Khanal will get Finance and Aryal will get the Home Ministry, according to the sources.
The swearing-in ceremony of the three cabinet ministers will be held at the President’s Office on Monday afternoon.
As the Prime Minister’s Office was set on fire during Tuesday’s violent protest, the government has shifted the PM Office to the newly-constructed Home Ministry building at Singhdurbar complex.
The former chief justice was appointed the caretaker prime minister by President Paudel on the recommendation of the Gen Z group, which overthrew the K P Sharma Oli government through a two-day protest on Tuesday.
Addressing a meeting of secretaries and senior government officials soon after assuming office, Prime Minister Karki said that those involved in the violence and destruction of public and private property will be brought to justice.
She said that the arson and vandalism during the protests of September 9 was “pre-planned” and the Gen-Z protesters were not involved in such activities.
“The kind of arson and vandalism that has taken place is a criminal act. This was carried out in an organised manner. Those responsible must be punished,” she said.
The government announced that those killed during the Gen Z protest on September 8 and 9 will be declared "martyrs" and their families will be provided one million Nepalese rupees each while ensuring free treatment to the injured.
Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal informed that Prime Minister Karki made the decision to this effect while assuming office.
She also instructed Chief Secretary Aryal to arrange for the repair of the destroyed police posts across the country.
The agitation, which began on Monday against a government ban on social media, quickly expanded into a larger campaign reflecting public anger over corruption and perceived apathy of the political class.
K P Sharma Oli quit on Tuesday shortly after hundreds of agitators entered his office demanding his resignation for the death of at least 19 people in police action during Monday's protests.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Aryal informed that the death toll during the agitation has reached 72, including three policemen. It includes 59 protesters and 10 prisoners, he said.
