Former Nepal PM Oli Denies Ordering Shootout in 'Gen Z' Protests

Kathmandu, Sep 19 (PTI) - Former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli of Nepal denied allegations that his government ordered a shootout during the ‘Gen Z’ protests that erupted on September 8, which resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people.

The chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) asserted that infiltrators were responsible for the unfortunate events.

"The government didn’t order to shoot at the demonstrators," Oli stated in a message on the occasion of the country’s Constitution Day.

He further claimed, "The bullets were fired at protesters from automatic guns, which were not in possession of the police personnel, and this must be investigated."

Oli suggested that "infiltration" occurred in the peaceful protests, resulting in unexpected violence.

"Infiltrating conspirators turned the agitation violent, and this way our youths were killed," Oli lamented, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and calling for an inquiry into the incident.

He highlighted how the Singhdurbar Secretariat and Supreme Court were set ablaze, and Nepal’s map, along with several government buildings, were burned after his resignation.

"I don’t want to elaborate on the conspiracies behind these incidents; time will speak for itself," he noted on Facebook.

Recalling the nation's challenges during the promulgation of the Constitution, Oli mentioned, "The Constitution was promulgated amidst a border blockade and challenges against national sovereignty."

He urged all Nepalis to unite against threats to their sovereignty and defend the Constitution.

Oli resigned on September 9, shortly after protesters stormed his office demanding his resignation for the deaths during the protests on September 8.

In total, seventy-two people, including three policemen, died during the violent protests against alleged corruption and a ban on social media on September 8 and 9.

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