Kathmandu, Dec 13 (LatestNewsX) — Former Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli told reporters on Saturday that the widespread damage to both public and private property during the Gen‑Z protests in early September was part of a long‑planned conspiracy aimed at undermining the constitution, its processes and democracy itself.
After police killed several Gen‑Z demonstrators on September 8, the country experienced widespread vandalism: government offices, private homes, and key infrastructure were set ablaze. Among the targets were buildings inside Singha Durbar—the main government complex—along with the President’s Office, the Supreme Court, residences of political leaders, hotels, shopping malls and police posts.
A government‑appointed committee estimated that 77 people died in incidents linked to the Gen‑Z protests and that property damage ran to NPR 84.45 billion. The movement toppled Oli’s administration and, following his resignation as chair of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist‑Leninist) or CPN‑UML, paved the way for the current apolitical government led by Sushila Karki.
During the 11th General Convention of the CPN‑UML, Oli posed probing questions: “Was the frenzy of September 9 merely the result of protests by a dissatisfied group, or was a much bigger game being played under its cover? Was its goal merely to change the government, or was there a hidden plan to break the very backbone of the state?” He added, “Let there be no confusion—if the aim was only to change the government, the country should not have been turned to ashes.”
Oli insisted that the destruction of state and private assets was part of an ominous plot engineered over years, intended to topple the constitution, erode constitutional procedures and destroy the democracy that had been built over seven decades, creating a power vacuum, instability and a state of statelessness.
The protests began on September 8 in response to a ban on social media and widespread corruption allegations. However, they spiralled out of control when police intervened, leading to the deaths of 20 people on the first day.
Oli clarified that he did not oppose the demands of Gen‑Z and other young people—they called for open social media, stronger anti‑corruption measures and sound governance. “Our aim was not to shut down social media, but to regulate it within the law for national and citizen security,” he said.
He blamed external interest groups that infiltrated the protests, inflaming violence, violating restricted zones, setting fires and vandalizing Parliament. According to Oli, such actors exploited youth who had initially been staging peaceful demonstrations, resulting in an unprecedented tragedy that claimed several young lives.
Oli also repeated his claim that the present government was formed unlawfully and that the Lower House of Parliament had been dissolved in violation of the constitution. He demanded its restoration. Both UML and Nepali Congress leaders, former coalition partners in the previous government, have filed separate writ petitions before the Supreme Court seeking the House’s reinstatement.
On September 12, President Ram Chandra Poudel dissolved the House of Representatives following Prime Minister Karki’s recommendation. New elections have been scheduled for March 5 of the following year.
Oli questioned the current government’s intent to hold those elections, pointing out a lack of visible preparation. “The government is mandated to hold elections on March 5— but is there any preparation?” he asked. “If the government was serious about holding elections, it would build trust, ensure transparency, allow assemblies, encourage party activities, and create a fearless environment. Instead, we see prohibitions, cases instead of debate, and threats instead of competition.”
The upcoming General Convention will also elect new party leadership. Oli and senior vice‑president Ishwor Pokharel are contesting the chairmanship, with former President Bidya Devi Bhandari endorsing Pokharel for the post.
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