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Supporters of former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli have staged protests at various locations across Kathmandu following his arrest. Demonstrators gathered to express their dissent, burning copies of the report submitted by the commission investigating the 'Gen Z' movement.
Oli was arrested early on Saturday in connection with a culpable homicide case linked to the violent suppression of the September 2025 Gen Z protests. The protests had led to his removal from office. Alongside Oli, Nepali Congress leader and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak was also taken into custody.
The commission, formed by the interim election government, investigated the Gen Z movement and recommended prosecution of Oli and others for their roles in the violence. The report held Oli responsible for failing to prevent the firing that killed at least 19 protesters on the first day of demonstrations.
Following his arrest, Oli, aged 74 and having undergone two kidney transplants, was admitted to a hospital in Kathmandu after medical examinations. The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) described the arrest as a political vendetta and convened an emergency meeting to decide on their response.
Supporters of Oli expressed their anger by burning the Carqui Commission report near the UML central office in Chyasal, setting tyres on fire. Police presence at the protest sites was minimal.
Meanwhile, Nepal has seen significant political changes. Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, also known as Balen, was sworn in as the youngest Prime Minister on Friday after being unanimously elected leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Shah defeated Oli in the Jhapa-5 constituency during the recent general elections.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party secured a majority in the House of Representatives, marking a shift in Nepalese politics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Balen Shah, expressing hope for strengthened India-Nepal relations.
The protests against Oli's arrest and the political transition underline ongoing tensions within Nepal’s evolving political landscape.
'POLITICAL REVENGE'
Leaders of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) have strongly condemned the arrest of KP Sharma Oli, with secretary Mahesh Basnet calling it "political revenge" and accusing the government led by Balendra Shah of prejudice.
The party convened an emergency meeting, demanding Oli’s immediate release and announcing nationwide protests, including demonstrations across district headquarters and submission of protest letters to officials.
Other political figures also raised concerns. Arjun Narsingha KC stressed the need for a "neutral and transparent" investigation, calling earlier findings "insufficient".
Ganesh Shah said due process must be followed, while Kamal Thapa warned against "conflict and confrontation". The government had acted swiftly after deciding to implement the probe report.
The situation continues to develop as the new government forms its cabinet and the legal proceedings related to the Gen Z protests progress.
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Published On:
Mar 28, 2026 18:29 IST
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