Identify, Investigate, Indict: Only Justice Can Restore Public Trust

Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who assumed office through the Gen-Z movement, has made accountability her first priority. On Sunday, she declared the 72 people killed during the September 8–9 protests as martyrs and announced relief of Rs 1 million for each bereaved family and an additional Rs 500,000 to cover other expenses. At the same time, she pledged stern action against those responsible for vandalism, arson, and targeted destruction of government property—a commitment that has offered some solace to a wounded nation. The resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was followed by coordinated attacks on Singha Durbar, Baluwatar, courts, ward offices and other government institutions. While physical structures can be rebuilt, the burning of archives and records has caused irreparable loss, erasing historical documents and vital data needed by ordinary citizens. These were not spontaneous acts of anger but part of a deliberate attempt to conceal corruption.