Did Former Nepal PM Oli Claim Police Lacked Automatic Weapons During Gen-Z Protests?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Oli’s claims challenge police accountability.
- The protests resulted in a significant loss of life.
- Concerns over conspiracies influencing public demonstrations.
- Political instability may affect Nepal’s governance.
- Upcoming elections are crucial for restoring order.
Kathmandu, Sep 9 (NationPress) The former Prime Minister of Nepal, K P Sharma Oli, asserted on Friday that the automatic weapons from which shots were fired during the initial day of the Gen-Z protests on September 8, which resulted in the loss of 19 lives, were not in the possession of police authorities.
Oli, who stepped down on September 9 amid escalating protests against his administration, stated that his government had never authorized any direct firing on demonstrators. "The use of automatic weapons not in police possession must be investigated," he remarked.
The ex-Prime Minister alleged that the fatalities during the protests were caused by violence instigated by conspirators who infiltrated the demonstrations. He noted that never before had such a large number of people been killed in a single day during past movements.
According to police reports, at least 72 individuals have been confirmed dead due to incidents related to the Gen-Z protests, including those found deceased at the Bhatbhateni Supermarket, which was set ablaze by protestors.
Oli has suggested that there is a conspiracy behind the arson attacks on significant government buildings, including Singh Durbar, the parliamentary building, and various judicial and political offices.
His residence in the Balkot area of Bhaktapur, located approximately four kilometers from Kathmandu, suffered extensive damage due to an arson attack. Homes of other former Prime Ministers, such as Sher Bahadur Deuba, Pushpa Kamal Dahal (also known as Prachanda), and Jhalanth Khanal, were also targeted.
As the protests escalated, Oli received protection from the Nepal Army but reportedly left their security on Thursday to move to a rented place in the Gundu area of Bhaktapur, roughly 12 kilometers from Kathmandu.
Oli has faced considerable backlash for leading the Himalayan nation into turmoil. Critics argue that he consistently portrayed an image of progress during his term, despite numerous corruption scandals that emerged, with Oli himself allegedly connected to several.
In the wake of Oli’s forced resignation, a new non-political government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been established, tasked with holding parliamentary elections within six months, with the next elections for the House of Representatives scheduled for March 5.