Gaps in Gen Z Protest Probe Report

The leaked report of the commission led by former Special Court chair Gauri Bahadur Karki has offered the public a detailed look at the deadly Gen Z protests of September 8 and 9. The report sheds light on the use of excessive force by security agencies during crowd control and highlights how poor leadership at political and administrative levels worsened the crisis. It recommends action against several figures, including former prime minister KP Sharma Oli, former home minister Ramesh Lekhak, former police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung, other senior officers from Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force, and a few army personnel. The report also points to poor coordination between commanders and officers in the field. A lack of timely meetings among key security agencies weakened the state’s ability to respond. Meanwhile, unrest spread rapidly, and government buildings such as Singha Durbar, Sheetal Niwas, the Supreme Court, and the prime minister’s residence were attacked and set on fire. Major hotels, department stores and private property across the country were heavily damaged or destroyed. At least 74 people died due to the violence, arson, and delayed response. The situation took a serious turn after the Nepal Army failed to deploy personnel despite being requested to do so. Overall, political hesitation and delays in administrative action allowed the situation to spiral out of control.