Nepal Committee to Investigate Violence During Anti-Graft Protests That Killed 74
Nepal is once again at a crossroads. The country, which has seen its share of political turbulence over the past decades, has been rocked by anti-corruption protests that spiraled into unprecedented violence, leaving 74 people dead and forcing the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Now, the interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has announced the formation of a panel to investigate what went wrong, who is accountable, and how such a tragedy unfolded in the Himalayan nation.
The probe panel, according to government officials, will examine not just the immediate circumstances of the deaths and injuries but also the systemic corruption and frustrations that ignited the movement. For a nation already grappling with unemployment, economic stagnation, and fragile governance, the outcome of this inquiry will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.
A Gen Z-Led Movement Turns Deadly
The protests began modestly, led largely by young Nepalis from Generation Z, who took to the streets demanding accountability and transparency from their leaders. For many, it was not just about corruption at the highest levels of government, but also about the everyday struggles of unemployment, rising prices, and shrinking opportunities.
What began as peaceful demonstrations in Kathmandu and other major cities quickly escalated. Protesters clashed with police forces, who were accused of using excessive force including live ammunition, tear gas, and batons. The death toll—74 people in less than two weeks—makes it the deadliest political violence Nepal has seen in decades, surpassing even some of the violent episodes during the Maoist insurgency years.
The scale of casualties shocked the nation, leading to widespread outrage and ultimately pushing Prime Minister Oli to resign. His departure marked the collapse of yet another government in a country that has seen frequent leadership changes since becoming a federal republic in 2008.
Interim Government Steps In
With the political vacuum left by Oli’s resignation, an interim administration headed by Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, was installed. Her appointment was widely viewed as a move to restore credibility and trust in governance. Known for her uncompromising stance against corruption during her tenure in the judiciary, Karki now faces the difficult task of healing a fractured nation.
One of her first acts was to announce the creation of a special probe panel. The committee will look into:
- The immediate triggers of the violent escalation.
- The conduct of security forces during the protests.
- The role of political leaders and institutions in fueling or failing to prevent the crisis.
- Recommendations for reform to address corruption and restore public trust.
The government has promised that the panel will operate with full transparency and include representation from civil society, human rights organizations, and independent experts.
Why Corruption Remains Nepal’s Achilles Heel
Corruption has long plagued Nepal’s governance system. From infrastructure contracts riddled with kickbacks to widespread nepotism in job placements, citizens have often complained that political elites benefit while ordinary people suffer.
For young Nepalis, especially Gen Z, the issue is deeply personal. Despite higher education levels and greater exposure to the outside world through digital platforms, many find themselves jobless or forced to migrate abroad for employment.
This frustration boiled over during the recent protests. Protesters accused the government of ignoring youth demands, prioritizing political power struggles over economic reforms, and turning a blind eye to the daily struggles of ordinary people.
By the time Oli’s government attempted to contain the movement, the anger had already reached a breaking point.
International Reactions
The violence in Nepal has drawn concern from the international community, including neighboring India and China, both of whom have significant stakes in the country’s stability. Western nations and human rights groups have called for an independent investigation into the deaths, stressing the need for accountability and justice.
International observers have also underlined the importance of protecting democratic rights in Nepal, warning that continued instability could derail economic progress and push more citizens into poverty and migration.
A Deepening Political Crisis
Nepal’s history since the abolition of the monarchy has been marked by political instability, with frequent changes in government, fragile coalitions, and an inability to deliver consistent reforms. The resignation of Oli under pressure from street protests only adds another chapter to this turbulent journey.
Many analysts argue that without structural changes to address corruption, improve governance, and generate employment opportunities, Nepal risks sliding deeper into unrest. The resignation of one leader and the formation of a probe panel may bring temporary calm, but the underlying discontent remains unresolved.
The Role of Youth in Shaping Nepal’s Future
One of the most striking aspects of the anti-graft protests was the active role of youth. Unlike previous political movements dominated by traditional party cadres or union activists, this wave was led by students, young professionals, and unemployed graduates.
Social media played a central role in organizing and spreading awareness. Hashtags demanding accountability went viral, and digital platforms became spaces where grievances were voiced and amplified. This reflects a new era of political engagement in Nepal, where young people are less willing to wait for change and more determined to demand it directly.
Experts believe that the future of Nepal’s democracy will hinge on how this energy is harnessed. If the government fails to address the concerns of the youth, similar protests could erupt again, possibly with even greater intensity.
The Road Ahead
The panel established by Karki’s interim government has a daunting task ahead. Its credibility will depend on:
- Conducting an impartial and transparent investigation.
- Holding accountable those responsible for the excessive use of force.
- Offering concrete solutions to reduce corruption in governance.
- Creating pathways for youth employment and participation in policy-making.
While many citizens are cautiously hopeful, there is also skepticism. Past commissions of inquiry in Nepal have often produced lengthy reports with little follow-up action. For this panel to truly make a difference, it must be backed by political will and public trust.
Looking Beyond the Crisis
The tragedy of 74 lives lost is a painful reminder of the cost of unaddressed grievances. At its heart, the violence is not only about corruption but also about broken promises of democracy, economic opportunity, and fairness.
For Nepal, this is a moment of reckoning. If the probe is carried out effectively, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter where citizens feel heard, corruption is tackled more seriously, and youth are given a genuine role in shaping the country’s future.
But if the effort falters, the risk of renewed unrest looms large.
Final Reflection
Nepal’s anti-graft protests have exposed the fragility of its political system but also the strength of its citizens’ will to demand accountability. The resignation of Prime Minister Oli, the appointment of Sushila Karki, and the establishment of a probe panel together represent both the challenges and opportunities of this moment.
The path ahead will not be easy, but one thing is clear: Nepal’s youth have found their voice, and it cannot be silenced again. Whether the state responds with genuine reform or empty promises will determine the nation’s trajectory in the coming years.
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