National Human Rights Commission Recommends New Law to Punish Oli, Lekhak, and Gurung for Human Rights Violations During Gen C Movement

The National Human Rights Commission has released the findings and recommendations of a committee formed to investigate human rights violations that occurred during the Gen C Movement on September 8 and 9 of last year. Following a meeting on Tuesday where the commission decided to officially communicate these recommendations to the government for implementation, spokesperson Tikaram Pokharel issued a detailed press statement.

The report confirms that then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and Prithvi Subba Gurung were responsible for human rights violations. However, it also notes that existing laws do not clearly provide for their punishment. Consequently, the commission has recommended that the government enact new “retroactive” legislation to ensure they are held accountable. Additionally, further investigation into the involvement of former Home Minister Sudhan Gurung during the movement has been advised.

The commission has also recommended the government conduct a thorough review of statements made before, during, and after the protests by interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, and Commission Chair Gauribahadur Karki, who led the inquiry into the Gen C Movement.