PM reaffirms action against guilty of excesses during Gen Z protest

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sept. 26: Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Thursday pledged legal action against those found guilty in the recent Gen Z protests, warning that accountability would follow. 

In her first address to the nation since taking charge of the interim government formed after the uprising, she affirmed that a strong legal process would be pursued against all responsible for excesses during the movement.

Prime Minister Karki made it clear that the demands put forward by some Gen Z leaders, including the system of governance, couldn’t be fulfilled by the interim government. 

Some leaders of Gen Z have been demanding constitutional amendments, including the call for a directly elected executive head and constitutional amendments. 

Responding to such demands, the Prime Minister said, “As the issue of amending the system of governance falls outside the jurisdiction of the current government, I call for any constitutional amendment to be carried out strictly through the constitutional process.”

Acknowledging the six-month mandate of the election-focused interim government, she said that the current government cannot address all demands raised through the recent protests within such a short timeframe.

She also affirmed that a free and fair election would be held by March 5, 2026 and urged political parties to enthusiastically take part in the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections.

She said discussions were underway with the Election Commission to allow Nepali citizens living abroad to participate in the upcoming election. 

She informed that all necessary preparations, including manpower, budget, election materials, security, and legal arrangements, have been started to conduct free, fair, and fealess elections.

“The government has already begun preliminary work on mobilising personnel, security arrangements and legal provisions to hold the elections on March 5. I call upon everyone, including political parties, to participate in the elections and support them, thereby representing the aspirations of the younger generation,” Prime  Minister Karki said. 

According to her, the government has already identified several past corruption cases and is in the process of launching investigations and prosecuting those involved in them. 

“Within this short period, the current government has obtained clear information regarding past cases of corruption. The necessary investigations will be carried out and the process of taking action against those found guilty will be advanced,” she said. 

During her address to the nation, she called for unity in institutionalising the achievements gained through years of struggle, sacrifice, and the establishment of a federal democratic republic. 

She also emphasised the importance of responding to the voices raised by the current Gen Z-led movement.

She further assured that the government would promptly address complaints regarding delays, bribery, harassment and disrespectful behaviour in public service delivery.

Likewise, Prime Minister Karki said that a comprehensive business recovery plan had been introduced to aid entrepreneurs affected by arson and vandalism of industrial and commercial establishments on Bhadra 24.

Talking about the government’s recent decisions, she informed that the government had cancelled budgets allocated to fragmented and less productive projects in an effort to reduce unnecessary expenditure.

All state mechanisms have been mobilised to ensure a smooth supply of essential goods, transport management, and robust security during the upcoming festive period.