Kathmandu – Former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has raised concerns over the weapons used during the recent Gen-Z protests in Kathmandu, claiming that automatic firearms not belonging to security forces were fired.
On September 8 and 9, Gen-Z youth organized nationwide protests against corruption and the government’s move to restrict social media. In Kathmandu, clashes in front of the Parliament building on September 8 left 17 people dead. At the time, Oli was serving as prime minister.
In a statement issued on Friday, Oli said: “The government had not given any order to target and open fire at demonstrators. Automatic weapons, which were not under police control, were used, and the incident must be investigated impartially.”
Oli has not provided details or evidence to support his claim. Security agencies have also not confirmed the use of such weapons.
Additional Allegations
Oli further alleged that after his resignation as prime minister, fires were deliberately set at Singha Durbar, the Parliament building, and homes of political leaders. He said his own residence was also targeted by protesters.
Oli resigned on September 9 and subsequently came under the protection of the Nepal Army. He has since left army protection and moved into a rented house in Gundu, Bhaktapur. Despite being UML chairman, Oli was absent from the party’s Constitution Day event at the central office in Chyasal.
