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Nepal's former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has been arrested from his Katunje-based residence in Bhaktapur on Saturday

According to a source, an arrest warrant was presented to him before taken into custody. 

He was arrested while implementing the report of the inquiry commission formed to investigate the Gen Z protest held on September 8 and 9.

A total of 77 people were killed-many of them protesters shot by police- during the protests, which also resulted in the destruction of government and private property worth billions of rupees.

ALSO READ: Nepal’s former PM KP Oli arrested following inquiry commission report

Police have also arrested former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli in the same case. 

The arrests were made shortly after a high-level meeting involving Prime Minister Balen Shah, Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane and Home Minister Sudan Gurung. 

Immediately after the meeting, Home Minister Susan Gurung directed Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki and Inspector General of Armed Police Force Raju Aryal to arrest Oli and Lekhak. 

Meanwhile, CPN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has criticized the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, calling it an act of political revenge and prejudice.

In a social media post, Basnet criticized the current government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, particularly the appointment of Home Minister Sudan Gurung, describing it as controversial and inexperienced.

Calling for action, Basnet urged party members and supporters to participate in demonstrations to safeguard democratic values and oppose what he described as “revenge politics.” He added that further details of the protest program would be announced following a party secretariat meeting scheduled for the morning.

Police on Saturday arrested Nepal's former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli from his Gundu-based residence in Bhaktapur. 

An arrest warrant was handed over to Oli before he was taken into custody, according to SP Surys Bahadur Khadka, Chief at the District Police Range, Kathmandu.

A police team had reached his residence at 5 am today to arrest him.

Authorities said that he was detained while implementing the report of the inquiry commission formed to investigate Gen Z protests held on September 8 and 9.

A total of 77 people were killed-many of them protesters shot by police- during the protests, which also resulted in the destruction of government and private property worth billions of rupees.

The move follows the Cabinet decision taken on Friday to immediately implement the commission's recommendations. 

Government spokesperson and Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel had said that the first Cabinet meeting held under the headship of  Prime Minister Balendra Shah in Singha Durbar on Friday had decided to implement the issues recommended by the inquiry commission.

The meeting had also decided to form a study committee to examine issues pertaining to the security mechanisms involving individuals and bodies named in the report and act in accordance with the recommendations submitted by the committee, and to direct the concerned bodies to promptly act on the recommendations made by the commission in the case of others.

Following the decision, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung directed Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki and Inspector General of Armed Police Force Raju Aryal to arrest UML Chairman Oli and Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak.

ALSO READ: Nepal’s former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak detained

Meanwhile, UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has criticized the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, calling it an act of political revenge and prejudice.

In a social media post, Basnet criticized the current government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, particularly the appointment of Home Minister Sudan Gurung, describing it as controversial and inexperienced.

Calling for action, Basnet urged party members and supporters to participate in demonstrations to safeguard democratic values and oppose what he described as “revenge politics.” He added that further details of the protest program would be announced following a party secretariat meeting scheduled for the morning.

Meanwhile, taking to Facebook, a social media platform, Home Minister Gurung said that the actions were guided by law and not driven by revenge.

He clarified that the arrest was made following the recommendation of the inquiry commission formed to investigate the Gen Z protests held on September 8 and 9.

"No one is above the law. This is not revenge against anyone. It is just the beginning of justice", Minister Gurung stated.

He also expressed confidence that the country will now take a new course.

Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that he did not give any written or verbal order to use force in the GenZ protests held on September 8 and 9.

Talking to the media today after recording his statement before the inquiry commission formed to investigate the damages caused during the GenZ protest, he said that the decision to use force or not is the responsibility of the security officials deployed at the time as per the law. “There is no legal provision for the minister or the prime minister to issue the order to use force,” he clarified. 

Former Minister Lekhak informed the media that he submitted his views and details in writing to the commission.

According to former Minister Lekhak, a meeting of the Central Security Committee was called on September 7 after receiving prior information from the security agencies and the home administration about the demonstration of the GenZ group to be held a day later. The meeting analyzed the information collected by the security agencies and stated that the organizers had reported that the demonstration would be peaceful.

Clarifying that no decision or plan was made in the meeting regarding use of force, he said that it was concluded that law and security arrangements would be made by coordinating among all the security agencies. Former Home Minister Lekhak mentioned that formal discussions were held with the then Prime Minister in Baluwatar after the Central Security Committee meeting and that emphasis was placed on ensuring that there were no human casualties there as well.

Lekhak said that he resigned on the same day on moral grounds. "I considered it a moral duty to resign from my position after the death of persons," he said.

Minister Lekhak said that the incidents that took place after his resignation have seriously damaged the country's self-respect, democratic values, and constitutional institutions. 

He said that the damage to constitutional organs and public property of the state such as Singha Durbar, Rastrapati Bhawan, and Supreme Court was against the core spirit of the GenZ movement. 

Informing about personal losses, former Home Minister Lekhak said that his two houses in Mahendranagar were destroyed in a fire, his residence in Kathmandu was damaged beyond habitability, and that a serious situation arose while trying to save his mother from an attack by protesters, and that his mother later passed away. 

Ramesh Lekhak, the former Home Minister, has said that he would appear before the inquiry commission formed to investigate into the Gen-Z movement. 

Talking to media persons following a meeting of the Nepali Congress Central Executive Committee at the party office in Sanepa today, Lekhak said that he plans to present himself before the commission on coming Monday. 

"The commission has sent me a letter on Friday requesting my presence for a statement, and I have confirmed that I will attend on Monday," he stated.

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Protesters vandalized the house of Ramesh Lekhak, who resigned from the post of Home Minister on Monday, in Naikap on Tuesday.

Protesters also set fire to and vandalized the residences of other top leaders of major political parties.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned from his post on Monday.

Home Minister Lekhak submitted his resignation after meeting Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Baluwatar.

Home Minister Lekhak's Secretariat confirmed that he submitted his resignation while the Cabinet meeting was underway.

Earlier, Minister Lekhak said that he would resign on moral grounds.

“I should resign on moral grounds following the incident that took place today. I have also told the Nepali Congress meeting that I will resign from the post,” he said.

President Sher Bahadur Deuba had also directed Home Minister Lekhak to resign and pave the way during the party’s office bearers meeting.

At least 19 Gen Z protesters died in clashes with security personnel across the country today.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that he will resign on moral grounds.

“I should resign on moral grounds following the incident that took place today. I have also told the Nepali Congress meeting that I will resign from the post,” he said.

Earlier in the Congress office bearers meeting, President Sher Bahadur Deuba had directed Home Minister Lekhak to resign and pave the way.

A Cabinet meeting is underway at Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s residence in Baluwatar.

At least 19 Gen Z protesters died in clashes with security personnel across the country today.

A meeting of the Nepali Congress office bearers piled pressure on Home Minister Ramesh Lekha to resign and pave the way.

The leaders participating in the meeting held at President Sher Bahadur Deuba's residence in Budhanilkantha mounted pressure on Home Minister Lekh to resign.

According to a leader who attended the meeting, President Deuba has also directed Home Minister Lekhak to resign from his post.

“The participating leaders, including the President, have urged the Home Minister to resign and clear the way. Most probably, he will resign after the meeting,” the leader said.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has reiterated that Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulek are the parts of Nepali territory and neighboring countries should not be dismayed when Nepal asserts its rightful claim over these lands.

Speaking at a press meet organized by the Nepal Press Union, Parsa chapter today, the Home Minister said that it was true that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli raised concerns regarding the India-Nepal agreement on developing Lipulek as a bilateral trade point.

Minister Lekhak stated that “We are clear and firm that these territories belong to Nepal.”

During his visit to China, the Prime Minister had objected to the India-China bilateral agreement. "No part of Nepali territory will be allowed to be used against the interests of the nation," the Minister said.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has directed the bodies concerned to work together in order to stop illegal import and export taking place in check points.  

During the meeting of Revenue Leakage Control Coordination Committee organised at the District Administration Office, Parsa, today, he urged all bodies concerned including local administration, customs offices, and the three security bodies to coordinate and cooperate to stop smuggling.

"I request all the bodies concerned to move ahead making coordination among each other to control revenue leakage as well as to take necessary initiatives to control other criminal activities taking place in border areas," mentioned Home Minister Lekhak. 

Similarly, Chief Customs Administrator of Birgunj Customs Office, Bishnu Prasad Gyawali shared that revenue collection of Birgunj Customs Office had increased in the last fiscal year as compared to previous fiscal year. 

He expected that the Office would be able to collect the revenue as per its target in the current fiscal year, stating that it was necessary that all bodies concerned should join hands to control smuggling.  

Likewise, Chief of Revenue Investigation Office, Pathalaiya, Hari Prasad Sharma, and Madhes Province’s Nepal Police chief among others also expressed their views. 

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has directed the employees of subordinate bodies to serve the national interests and ensure an accessible atmosphere to the public for getting government services.

Speaking at the signing of a work performance agreement with the Home Secretary and the heads of various departments and divisions of the Ministry today, Minister Lekhak acknowledged that there have been major accomplishments in curbing drug abuse, road accidents, suicides, and cybercrime adding that tangible outcomes will require more time.

Highlighting drug abuse, road fatalities, cybercrime, and suicide as the pressing challenges of the time, the Minister echoed the need for measurable results within the current fiscal year. 

He also instructed that the post-earthquake reconstruction efforts in the western Nepal be completed within the fiscal year. 

The Minister extended his congratulations and appreciation to all those who contributed to the Home Ministry's 88 percent progress achieved in the last fiscal year. He added that success and failure are shared responsibilities in a team work.

Minister Lekhak said that progress on the bills related to the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force has been delayed due to some technical issues. 

He urged the stakeholders to work assiduously to ensure these bills are registered in the House of Representatives within this month. "Policy and legal reforms remain our top priority, and works are progressing accordingly,” the Home Minister affirmed.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that the Bill to amend the Citizenship Act-2063 BS (2006) aims to recognize the mother as the primary patron of a child, granting her the right to solely declare and assume responsibility for the child.

Responding to concerns raised during the theoretical discussions on the Nepal Citizenship Bill-2081 BS at the Legislation Management Committee under the National Assembly today, the minister said, "The objective of the Bill is to ensure the mother’s full rights to pass on citizenship to her child, provided she declares that the child's father cannot be presented."

He added that the provision does not seek to grant rights exclusively to mothers. "If the mother's declaration is found to be false, the Bill includes provisions for legal inquiry and penalty as well," he clarified.

The minister highlighted that, due to the absence of citizenship, many children are facing serious challenges in their education and career development.

Regarding naturalized Nepali citizenship, the Bill has sought the mother's declaration that her child has not acquired citizenship of a foreign country based on the father’s nationality. Under the current law, only the individual applying for naturalized citizenship is required to make such a declaration.

In regard with the naturalised citizenship, the existing provision is that "A child born to a Nepali female citizen through marriage with a foreign citizen, residing permanently in Nepal, may be granted naturalized citizenship as prescribed, provided the child has not acquired foreign citizenship through the father."

The Bill has also proposed that a child is eligible for obtaining citizenship in the mother’s name if the father is dead or not supporting the child in acquiring citizenship, or is married to another person. "We have simplified the procedures for transferring citizenship in the mother's name," Minister Lekhak said.

He also reminded the committee of the Supreme Court's directive to the government regarding the issuance of citizenship in the mother’s name.

The Ministry of Home Affairs is preparing to airlift a critically injured inmate to Kathmandu for further treatment from Kailali.

The Ministry has stated that it has taken the incident seriously and has further tightened the security situation in the Kailali Prison.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak took stock of the incident from the Home Secretary and the heads of the three security bodies regarding the overall situation of the Kailai Prison today.

Following the appraisal, the Ministry decided to airlift the injured one who is receiving treatment at Seti Provincial Hospital to Kathmandu via the Nepali Army helicopter.

“The Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force will strengthen security provisions to ensure full security of the jail and to prevent any further untoward incidents,” Home Ministry Spokesperson Ananda Kafle said.

A sky truck of the Nepali Army has already been sent to Dhangadhi to airlift the one who is critically injured in the clash, Kafle stated.

An inmate died and 44 other prisoners were injured in the clash that erupted between inmates residing in Block 'A' and Block 'B' of the jail on Friday night.

It is said that a large number of police personnel have been deployed to normalize the situation arising from a clash between inmates at Kailali Jail in Dhangadhi.

Currently, there are altogether 680 inmates in Kailali Prison despite its capacity to house just 100. (RSS)

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said facilities from the local levels will be denied to those compelling menstruating women to isolate and stay in a hut. 

He said that circulars towards that end will be issued for local levels across the country.

During his meeting with office-bearers of the Inter Party Women's Alliance today, the Home Minister said the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration will be requested for issuing the circular. 

"Superstition has a great role in the menstrual discriminations," he said, seeking the support and advice from the Alliance towards the elimination of such discriminations.    

The Minister reiterated that the government is serious about the existence of violence against women including sexual assaults. "The government is serious about the need to work towards the dignity, pride, prestige and security of women," he said, pledging that those responsible for the violence against women will be brought to justice. 

During the meeting Alliance President Mamata Giri submitted a memorandum to the Minister, demanding an end to all sorts of discrimination against women. They expressed their grave concerns over increasing case of violence and discrimination against women.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has directed the concerned authorities to investigate the people who travelled to Spain with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

On Sunday, the Home Minister directed Home Secretary Gokarnamani Duwadi and Inspector General of Police Deepak Thapa to determine whether the people except those in the official delegation had travelled to Spain during the Prime Minister's recent visit to Spain.

“They have been instructed to investigate whether anyone travelled to Spain on a visit visa apart from the official delegation,” the Home Minister said.

“The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau of Nepal Police will be deployed to carry out the investigation. If anyone is found guilty, legal action will be taken in accordance with the law,” he said.

It may be noted that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had travelled to Spain on June 28 in the course of attending the Fourth United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD-4) in Spain held from June 30 to July 3.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that the Nepal Army (NA) has been assigned to construct a barrage on the Mahakali River before the monsoon reaches its peak.

The project aims to protect nearby settlements from potential flood-related disasters, he added.

During the inspection today of the under-construction barrage at Bhimdatta Municipality-12 in Kanchanpur, the Home Minister stated that the government entrusted the army with this task through a special decision, seeking a long-term solution to the recurring flood issues that have plagued the area for years.

He also pledged sufficient budget allocation for the project.

Last year, floods from the Mahakali River damaged a 260-meter section of the barrage, diverting water into residential areas and posing a serious threat to settlements in Bhimdatta and Dodhara Chandani municipalities.

The Minister instructed the team involved in the restoration work to complete the project on time with guarantee of standards.