Nepal’s former Home Minister, Ramesh Lekhak, firmly rejected claims on Friday, October 10, 2025, that he or the ousted Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli had issued executive orders for excessive force against young “Gen Z” protesters.
Massive anti-government demonstrations, organized by the Gen Z movement, took place in Kathmandu on September 8 and 9. These protests tragically resulted in 76 fatalities, with 19 individuals reportedly killed by police firing on the first day alone.
Allegations surfaced that both then-Prime Minister Oli and Home Minister Lekhak were directly responsible for ordering the use of live ammunition against the demonstrators on September 8. In his first public statement since the unrest, Mr. Lekhak dismissed these accusations as mere “rumours” and “untrue.”
In response to the widespread concern and the tragic events, the interim government, led by Sushila Karki, has established a three-member judicial commission tasked with thoroughly investigating the use of force during the Gen Z movement.
Mr. Lekhak emphasized the importance of the probe commission conducting its investigation impartially and strictly within the established legal framework. He also stressed the urgent need for enhanced unity and constructive dialogue among various groups to effectively address the legitimate demands of the young Gen Z population.