Disclose Probe Report

Nepal has now entered a new phase of political development with the successful conclusion of election to the House of Representatives. These elections provided a constitutional outlet to a transition sparked by the Gen Z movement that shook the country in September last year. The people gave a clear mandate to a new party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party, while punishing the old political parties.  The Gen Z movement emerged as a revolt after the then-government imposed a ban on social networking sites. Enraged by this authoritarian decision, thousands of youths took to the streets, demanding an end to corruption, political syndicate, and instability. Security forces resorted to repressive measures to suppress the protest.  At least 19 youths, mostly school- and college-going students, were shot dead on the first day of the movement on September 8. The death toll eventually hit 76, with hundreds more seriously injured. 

The next day, on September 9, the country witnessed widespread destruction of public and private property. The KP Sharma Oli-led government was toppled, and parliament was dissolved. The nation was left reeling. A new government, led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, was formed to end the political vacuum. It established a high-level commission chaired by former chairman of the Special Court, Gauri Bahadur Karki, to investigate the killing of people, arson and vandalism that occurred across the country during the movement. Two weeks ago, the panel submitted its report to the government, which pledged to release its summary within days. With the report still unreleased, the patience of Gen Zers is wearing thin. They have been staging protests at Maitighar since Sunday to pressure the government into disclosing the report.

The agitating youths have said that it is the right of people to know the details of September 8 and 9 incidents. Some media outlets have claimed that the report has recommended action against former prime minister Oli, former home minister Ramesh Lekhak, former Inspector General of Nepal Police Chandra Kuber Khapung and Kathmandu Chief District Officer (CDO) Chhabi Lal Rijal for their alleged role in the brutal killing of protesters. Immediately after the formation of the interim government, the victims of the movement demanded stern action against them. But the government waited for the panel's report before taking any action. The Gen Z youths have expressed doubt whether the Karki report will face the fate of similar probe reports prepared in the past.

Transparency and accountability are crucial for democratic governance. In a democracy, the people are sovereign and determine the nation’s political course through periodic elections. They are constitutionally empowered to know the affairs of the state. This requires the government to make its decisions transparently and ensure that citizens are fully cognizant of them. An informed citizen can make choices that benefit both themselves and society. If state institutions keep their activities secret and the people are not duly informed, public trust in government and its agencies begins to decline. Such a tendency will undoubtedly give rise to anomalies and irregularities, undermining the state's competence and credibility. The Gen Z youths have rightly articulated the concerns of the people. If the truth is concealed for a longer time, frustration and resentment will increase. Failure to hold those responsible for the September mayhem accountable will only breed impunity and lawlessness.