Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Former Prime Minister and coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), Pushpa Kamal Dahal, has called for an impartial and fact-based investigation into violence, looting and destruction that occurred on September 9 last year.
In a video statement issued on Wednesday, Dahal said the Gen Z movement of last September was hijacked by suspicious elements who were deliberately mobilized.
According to Dahal, looting, arson and vandalism took place at key institutions such as Singha Durbar, the Parliament building, the President’s Office, the Supreme Court, the National Archives, government and police offices, political party offices, and other public and private properties on September 9.
“The legitimate grievances of young people and the deliberate acts that turned those grievances into violence, looting and destruction are not the same issue,” the statement said. “Treating the two in the same manner would do justice neither to history nor to the truth.”
Dahal said answers must be found to several questions surrounding the events during the Gen Z movement. He called for the truth to be established about who was responsible, why and how the movement was suppressed, who provoked it, who carried out the violence and destruction, and who benefited from the unrest.
He said serious questions remain over the fact that looting, vandalism and arson continued even after the prime minister had resigned, as well as indications that organized groups had been mobilized and that flammable substances were used during the violence.
“Whoever the perpetrators are, regardless of their political connections or power, they must be brought within the ambit of the law,” Dahal said.
He also called for implementation of the report prepared by the National Human Rights Commission. Referring to the commission’s findings, Dahal said the report had pointed to the need for investigation and action against various parties involved.
“The report is not something to be kept locked away in a drawer; it is a document that must be implemented,” he said.
Dahal also said the expectations raised by the movement, including good governance, an end to corruption, employment opportunities and equal opportunities, have yet to be fulfilled.
