Just two weeks after a student uprising plunged Nepal into chaos, claiming over 70 lives and igniting widespread destruction, the nation’s new prime minister has established a judicial commission to thoroughly investigate these events. Announced on Sunday, this three-member body, led by a retired judge, will scrutinize the armed forces’ response to the protests, which turned deadly. Its mandate also includes probing the extensive arson and looting that caused billions of dollars in damage to both public and private property over the course of two days earlier this month. The commission is tasked with delivering its findings within three months, marking a critical initial move by Prime Minister Sushila Karki to address the aftermath of the unrest.
Ms. Karki, a former chief justice, assumed the interim prime minister role ten days ago, succeeding K.P. Sharma Oli, who resigned amidst the escalating demonstrations. Her government now faces the challenge of preparing the country for elections scheduled for March, while simultaneously seeking accountability for the recent violence.
Images from Kathmandu captured workers diligently cleaning government buildings that had been ravaged by fire during the protests, a stark reminder of the destruction.
The scale of the tragedy is significant: a total of 74 individuals perished during the two days of unrest. This grim toll includes 61 protesters and bystanders, three police officers, and 10 inmates. Disturbingly, 12 of the deceased were burned beyond recognition, prompting police to collect human remains from incinerated supermarkets and homes for DNA identification. The inmates, some as young as juveniles in western Nepal, met their end on September 9th when army officers opened fire as they attempted to escape three different regional prisons during the turmoil.
Gauri Bahadur Karki, the retired judge leading the new commission, stated his intention to commence work immediately following his oath of office. He confirmed that the commission, which also includes a retired senior police official and a lawyer, will ‘investigate the given matters and recommend action against those involved in killing the people and damaging the properties.’