Prime Minister Sushila Karki held more than four hours of discussion at Baluwatar with protesters injured during the Gen-Z movement. The meeting, which began at 10:30 this morning, concluded a short while ago.
The injured protesters urged the government to take a strong stance against corruption and repression. They also warned that they would launch another street protest if corrupt individuals are not punished. The 18-member delegation led by injured protester Rupin Khadka said that a government born from a revolution must take revolutionary steps.
Speaking on behalf of the injured, Khadka said, “What is stopping the government from immediately arresting those against whom we protested? Is it rules, or the law and constitution that are blocking action? Wherever there is an obstacle, we must begin by removing it.” Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal briefed the group on the progress made in investigations concerning corruption and state suppression during the movement. The injured representatives questioned, “You keep talking only about elections. Was this government formed just to move the 2084 election forward to 2082?”
Prime Minister Karki was joined in the meeting by Home Minister Aryal, Energy Minister Kulman Ghising, Education Minister Mahabir Pun, and Communications Minister Jagdish Kharel. During the meeting, Prime Minister Karki said, “We will not go beyond the spirit of the Gen-Z movement. We will work lawfully, following due process, without falling outside legal boundaries. We will act according to the mandate we have received. Elections will be held, and investigations into corruption will also move forward. The state’s authorized bodies are investigating corruption with urgency. Work is ongoing from all sides. Do not stop speaking out. Do not stop putting pressure on us. You will soon see results. You must have heard what those under investigation are now saying in public.”
The injured protesters expressed concern that some of the accused individuals are attempting to flee the country and hide their illegally acquired wealth. In response, Home Minister Aryal said that those trying to escape or hide have now been forced to show up again saying, “We are still in Nepal,” after realizing they can no longer run away.
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