Hello from Kathmandu,

A probe committee formed to investigate the violent protests on Sept 8–9 has recommended that the Nepal government ban former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and five other high-level officials from traveling abroad.

The committee, led by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki, made the recommendation following pressure from the interim government led by Sushila Karki. The other officials barred from leaving the country include former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, former Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, Chief of the National Investigation Department Hutraj Thapa, and former Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Chhabi Lal Rijal.

The commission has also ruled that these individuals must seek permission to leave the Kathmandu Valley. The decision is based on the premise that, as individuals under investigation, they must remain accessible to the commission at any time.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a controversial statement requesting that police refrain from arresting or prosecuting individuals involved in vandalism and arson of public and private property during the Sept 8–9 protests. This has drawn widespread criticism.

The ministry’s statement further noted that, since an inquiry commission has already been formed, government decisions will be based on the commission’s findings, and regular law enforcement mechanisms will not take action independently. Nevertheless, police have already arrested dozens in connection with the vandalism, including individuals involved in the killing of police officers and arson of police posts. There is growing pressure on the police to release these suspects.

Senior constitutional expert Bipin Adhikari has criticized the Home Ministry’s stance. “The police and prosecution in Nepal can and should act under criminal law independently of any independent commission’s timeline,” said Adhikari. “The commission’s report may inform broader accountability or reforms, including policing changes, but it does not halt criminal investigations.”

The National Human Rights Commission has urged the Nepal government to enhance national security and service delivery in view of the upcoming Dashain festival.

The CPN-UML convened its first secretariat meeting since the recent protests, during which the party strongly objected to the government’s reported decision to block former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli from traveling abroad. Speaking after the meeting, UML leader Pradeep Gyawali said, “We have taken serious note of the news that a recommendation has been made for the suspension of Oli's passport. We strongly object to this move.”

Gyawali accused the government of taking a path of political revenge. “It appears that the government is not only avoiding consultations with other political parties but is also moving toward a policy of prohibition,” he said. “There are clear signs that the government is attempting to suppress political parties, which is a matter of serious concern for us.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance has announced that it is investigating allegations that political leaders have been hoarding undeclared cash. In a statement, the ministry said the Department of Money Laundering Investigation is looking into the matter. This follows media reports that large sums of cash were found in the private residences of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

The ministry added that it is taking seriously the reports—circulating in both mainstream and social media—that cash was burned or discovered in various locations during the GenZ protests. In a key appointment, the government has named Ajaya Bhadra Khanal, a former journalist and editor of The Himalayan Times, as Chief Advisor to Prime Minister Sushila Karki. Govinda Narayan Timalsina has been appointed as Public Relations Officer. Meanwhile, GenZ protest groups are growing rapidly. One such group has released a statement declaring that they reject the current constitution. Like political parties, there are multiple GenZ protest groups driven by different political ideologies.

 

Kamal Dev Bhattarai

Editor