Author: space4knews

Our serious attention has been drawn to the newly formed Cabinet’s first meeting decision to implement the report of the Gauri Bahadur Karki Commission, established to investigate the damage to life and property following protests on September 8 and 9, 2025 (Bhadra 23 and 24, 2082 BS).

We believe an impartial investigation is necessary into the damage caused on Bhadra 23, 2082 BS, and into the infiltration, attacks on national and personal properties, looting, and arson during the destructive protests on Bhadra 24. However, the commission’s chair, Gauri Bahadur Karki, had already released conclusions prior to the commission’s formation, presenting misleading findings. This confirms the commission’s complete bias. Our view is that the commission was not established for an impartial investigation, a stance clearly supported by the report. The report was prepared with the intent to defame the then-political leadership and institutionalize politics of hatred. Therefore, such a report is condemnable, regrettable, and unacceptable.

Ignoring feedback from legal experts and civil society leaders, the Cabinet’s decision to take retaliatory action without proper analysis is regrettable. While establishing a committee to study security personnel, the decision to initiate action against the former political leadership clearly signals the new government’s prejudiced and vindictive approach towards opposition leaders. If the government attempts arrests or revenge under the guise of implementing the Karki Commission’s report, defying fundamental principles of justice, it will inevitably lead to serious repercussions in the country.

The protests on Bhadra 23 involved instigating unrest, forcibly bringing children wearing school uniforms onto the streets, creating tension through encirclement, and spreading terror. On Bhadra 24, incidents occurred including arson and vandalism targeting Parliament, Singha Durbar (the administrative complex), the Supreme Court, provincial and local offices, security agency buildings, government institutions, political party offices, private industries, and residences. It is a grave matter that individuals involved in these acts later assumed high government positions. All parties implicated must be subjected to impartial, independent, and thorough investigation and be held accountable under the law. Additionally, there are suspicions that some funds and resources from various dubious domestic and international non-governmental organizations were used in criminal activities, which also requires investigation. Any steps taken without impartial investigation of all parties will be biased and will call into question the integrity of the criminal justice system. We demand the dismissal of the prejudiced Karki Commission and the revocation of the Cabinet’s decision. Otherwise, we will be forced to escalate resistance programs, for which the government will bear full responsibility.

Signatories:

1. Maharaj Gurung, President, National Youth Union Nepal

2. Parshuram Basnet, President, Nepal Sports Federation

3. Deepak Dhami, President, All Nepal National Independent Students’ Union

4. Vinod Shrestha, President, Nepal Trade Union Federation (Jifant)

5. Tukabuddha Hamal, President, All Nepal Women’s Association

6. Vidur Subedi, President, Human Rights and Social Justice Forum Nepal

7. Bhumikā Limbu Subba, President, National Cultural Federation Nepal

8. E. Bhesraj Thapa, President, Progressive Engineers Association Nepal

9. Ganesh Pandey, President, Press Chautari Nepal

10. Tejprasad Nisad, President, All Nepal Backward Class (OBC) Federation

11. Amarbahadur Thapa, President, Progressive and Professional Lawyers’ Organization

12. Punyaprasad Dhakal, President, Professional Federation Nepal

13. Vinod Pandey, President, Nepal National Ex-Servicemen and Police Organization

14. Indra Tamang, President, Land Rights and Workers Organization Nepal

15. E. Gajendra Thapaliya, President, Nepal Intellectual Council

16. Dr. Prem Dangal, President, All Nepal Farmers Federation

17. Bhagirath Sapkota, President, Nepal Industries and Entrepreneurs Federation

18. Manohar B. Paudel, President, Mukti Samaj Nepal

19. Pasang Sherpa, President, Democratic Indigenous Nationalities Federation Nepal

20. Jagdish Adhikari, President, National Disability Organization Nepal

21. Harun Haluwai, President, Nepal Muslim United Organization

22. Vinod Bhattarai, President, Returnee Federation Nepal

23. Pushparaj Shrestha, President, National Volunteers Force Nepal

March 26, Kathmandu – Following the appointment of Rashtriya Swatantra Party senior leader Balendra Shah (Balen) as Prime Minister, the first cabinet meeting decided to implement the report of the commission investigating the events of the Janajati movement.

Announcing the decision to implement the Gauribahadur Karki Commission’s report, government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel stated that a committee will be formed to study matters concerning security agencies. For others, the decision was to proceed directly with the implementation of the report.

This opens the way for the concerned bodies to implement the commission’s recommendations for all except the security agencies.

The commission recommended that former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and former Inspector General of Police Chandrakuber Khapung be investigated and prosecuted for crimes punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

The report suggests investigation under Section 181 of the Criminal Code Act, 2074.

This section states that “no one shall cause death by negligent act.” Those found guilty face imprisonment from three to ten years, along with a fine ranging from NPR 30,000 to NPR 100,000.

With the government’s decision to implement the report, the path to investigate Oli and Lekhak under this charge is now open.

Khapung, however, being a security personnel, is unlikely to be investigated immediately.

Additionally, the commission recommended prosecution under Section 182 for Home Secretary Gokarn Mani Duwaadi, Armed Police Force Inspector General Raju Aryal, former chief of the National Investigation Department Hutaraj Thapa, and former Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Chhabi Rizal.

The commission concluded that these individuals were involved in causing death through negligence. Charges under this provision carry a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of NPR 30,000.

Among those recommended for action, Aryal remains the current Inspector General of Police, and Thapa is a former intelligence officer, which suggests they are unlikely to be investigated immediately. However, the path to investigate Home Secretary Duwaadi and former Kathmandu CDO Rizal is now open.

Janakpurdham, Chaitra 13 – On Friday afternoon at 2:30 pm, villagers in Ekdara along the Jaleshwar-Samsi road gathered carrying sweets in their hands.

Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, buses, and tractors traveling along the road were stopped, and each traveler was given a laddu (mung bean sweet). The villagers busily handed out sweets, spreading delight.

The villagers appeared joyful and excited. This celebration marked the occasion of Rashwapak’s senior leader Balendra Sah ‘Balen’ becoming Prime Minister.

This is Balen’s ancestral village. On Friday at 12:34 pm, Balen took his oath of office and secrecy from President Ramchandra Paudel and assumed the role of Prime Minister.

Youth Dinesh Bhandari, distributing sweets, said, ‘This is a celebration for our village’s Balen becoming Prime Minister. Since 12:30 pm, we have been distributing laddus like this. We are sweetening the faces of travelers.’

Balen used to visit his ancestral home in his childhood. At that time, villagers would play with him, and once he was old enough, he played alongside the village children.

Among those distributing sweets was 75-year-old local Nur Mohammad Nadaf. He said, ‘Balen was born here. His becoming Prime Minister is a matter of pride for us. That’s why we are celebrating with sweets. We are very happy.’ He also emphasized the need for Balen to address farmers’ problems.

Manohar Mahto, handing out sweets, expressed confidence that issues would gradually be resolved now that Balen is Prime Minister. ‘He is our village youth Prime Minister. He knows what needs to be done,’ he said.

Local Maheshwar Bhandari said he never imagined Balen would become Prime Minister but is now encouraged by it. He hopes that farmers’ problems will be addressed to some extent and that agriculture-based livelihoods will be easier.

‘We never thought Balen would become Prime Minister,’ he said. ‘We need a cremation ground and irrigation channels. We cannot do much else; irrigation helps production.’

The decision to distribute sweets in Balen’s ancestral village was made last Monday. According to local Vinod Sah, ten villagers convened that day.

‘We knew Balen was becoming Prime Minister and discussed what to do next. We agreed to distribute sweets and celebrate like during Diwali,’ he noted. ‘Ten of us decided to distribute sweets, arranged to make five quintals of sweets, and are distributing them today with everyone’s support.’

While handing out sweets, people also shouted slogans like “Long Live Balen” and “Victory to Ghanti.” A young man held a banner featuring Balen’s village Ekdara and the picture of Ujjwal Jha, a winner from Rashwapak.

Today, the sweets were kept at Balen’s own house. By 2:30 pm, over half of the sweets had already been distributed.

Residents expect the new Balen government to implement effective work in employment, education, health, and irrigation sectors.

In another neighborhood, Satyanarayan Sah also distributed sweets. The village celebrated happily by throwing colors and powder.

While villagers celebrated, Balen’s ancestral home, located about 100 meters north, appeared quiet in the afternoon. The Ekdara Rural Municipality office operates from his house. Although Ram Navami was a public holiday, the office remained open due to scheduled programs. Chief Administrative Officer Ramji Joshi, whom we met at the office, said that they would light lamps in the evening.

‘This is Balenji’s ancestral home. His becoming Prime Minister and having the office here is a pride for us. Some staff are still here today. We will celebrate by lighting lamps in the evening,’ he said.

They lit lamps to celebrate Diwali. Balen’s family has not lived long-term in the house for decades. His grandfather Munilal lived here but passed away ten years ago. His eldest brother and Balen’s father, Dr. Ramnarayan Sah, also passed away last Mangsir (November/December).

Ramnarayan had four brothers – engineer Satyanarayan Sah, Jeetnarayan Sah, and the youngest Lalbabu Sah. After going abroad for studies, they built homes outside but visit regularly.

After federalism was implemented, the Ekdara Rural Municipality office was established in his house. The office continues to operate here. Joshi said the office is maintained as a support service with minimal fees.

More than 50 bighas of land belonging to Balen’s estate remain in the village. Most of the land is utilized by locals, who also benefit from Balen’s property.

March 26, Kathmandu – The inauguration ceremony of newly appointed Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) was held with great grandeur. The event, conducted at the President’s official residence, Sheetal Niwas, marked a special and memorable occasion in Nepal’s history.

The oath-taking ceremony was scheduled for 12:34 PM, a time chosen for its auspiciousness, coinciding with the unique numerical pattern 1–2–3–4.

The event embraced traditional and cultural elements from the outset. Prior to the oath, 108 Hindu boys performed prayers, and 107 Buddhist monks recited the Ashtamangala text.

Seven Brahmin priests blew conch shells during the ceremony, infusing the environment with sanctity and energy.

Rooted in a multicultural identity, the ceremony featured two prominent cultural symbols representing Mithila and Kirati traditions.

The Mithila art, renowned as a traditional painting style, and Silam Sakma, representing Kirati culture, highlighted Nepal’s cultural diversity while conveying a message of unity in diversity.

Two individuals personifying Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were present at the ceremony, honoring Hindu beliefs that hold these deities in deep reverence.

President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister Balen, paying tribute to his commitment. Throughout the oath, Balen appeared solemn and confident.

Leaders from various political parties, high-ranking officials, elected members of the House of Representatives, and supporters attended the traditionally styled ceremony.

Prime Minister Shah’s inauguration is seen as the beginning of a new political era for Nepal. Emerging from the world of rap music into politics, Balen’s victory symbolizes the awakening of a new generation and their aspirations for change.

The 36-year-old Balen commenced his parliamentary journey after defeating former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli by 49,614 votes in Jhapa-5 during the House of Representatives elections held on February 3.

Prior to the election, he served as the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. He resigned from the mayoral post to become a senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).

In the local elections of 2079 BS (2023 AD), Balen ran as an independent candidate and was elected mayor by defeating Nepali Congress leader Srijana Singh by 23,426 votes.

March 26, Kathmandu – Home Minister Sudhan Gurung held discussions with the chiefs of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force Nepal. On Friday evening, he summoned Nepal Police Inspector General of Police (IGP) Danbahadur Karki and Armed Police Force IGP Raju Aryal to the Ministry of Home Affairs at Singh Durbar and engaged in a one-and-a-half-hour meeting.

The specific topics discussed during the meeting have not been publicly disclosed. However, on the same day, the Council of Ministers decided to implement the report of the investigation commission led by Gauribahadur Karki, which was formed to probe the incidents related to the Janajati movement.

Following the cabinet’s decision to put the Karki Commission’s report into action, Minister Gurung’s dialogue with the two IGPs is seen as highly significant.

The Karki Commission’s report recommended taking criminal action under the law against the then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, among others.

March 26, Kathmandu – Mahesh Basnet, secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), has issued a warning that if the government resorts to a crackdown in the name of implementing the Gaurav Bahadur Karki Commission report, the country could spiral toward conflict.

Today, in its first meeting, the newly formed cabinet led by Rastriya Swatantra Party parliamentary leader Balendra Shah decided to move forward with implementing the Karki Commission report.

The decision included constituting a study committee regarding the security apparatus recommended for action by the commission, and proceeding according to its recommendations before implementation. For all other recommendations, immediate enforcement was agreed upon.

Shortly after this decision was made public, Basnet reacted on social media, cautioning that such a move would lead the country toward conflict.

“The government under Balendra’s leadership, in its first cabinet meeting, has decided on the Karki Commission’s report on the Jenajee incident. It plans to form a study committee regarding security personnel, but directly implement measures concerning the former prime minister, home minister, and others. This is heard to be a cunning and conspiratorial decision,” Basnet wrote. “If the government uses the report implementation as a pretext for crackdown and political revenge, not only will it face initial backlash, but it also risks pushing the country back into conflict.”

Basnet described such a decision as partisan and unacceptable under any circumstance, warning of strong resistance.

“Such biased decisions are absolutely unacceptable. Justice must be equal for all; otherwise, strong opposition will surely arise,” he stated.

Basnet also demanded investigation and action against individuals involved in the protests on September 8 and 9 of the previous year.

“Those who incited protests on September 8, forcibly brought children in school uniforms onto the streets, created tense and terrorizing environments by surrounding them from all sides, and those who engaged in violent riots on September 9, targeting the Parliament, Singha Durbar, Supreme Court, government offices, private industries, and residential premises causing arson and vandalism—including those who later became prime ministers, ministers, and lawmakers—must be impartially investigated and punished,” he wrote.

He expressed suspicion that funds from various suspicious national and international non-governmental organizations were used in criminal activities, stating that terrorism conducted under the guise of power and its leadership is unacceptable to society. “Any action taken without impartial investigation of all parties will be inherently biased,” he emphasized.

March 26, Kathmandu – The government has decided to implement the report of the investigation commission formed to probe the suppression of the Janajati movement.

Government spokesperson Sashmit Pokharel stated that the first cabinet meeting held on Friday resolved to implement the report.

“The commission, chaired by Gauribahadur Karki, submitted its report to the Government of Nepal investigating the incidents that occurred during the protests on September 8 and 9 (Bhadra 23 and 24). It has been decided to implement the report accordingly,” Pokharel announced while conveying the government’s decision.

According to him, the implementation plan is divided into two phases.

First, a study committee will be formed regarding the security agencies as recommended by the commission; the recommendations presented by this committee will then be implemented.

Second, decisions recommended by the commission on other matters will be implemented immediately.

March 26, Kathmandu. Newly appointed Prime Minister Balen Shah has directed government employees not to delay work under any pretext.

Shortly after taking the oath on Friday and assuming office at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ office, he urged the staff to embrace the spirit of his government.

Reminding employees that his government is strong enough to amend any rules and regulations if necessary, he explicitly instructed them not to make excuses, a secretary revealed.

“Just as we have formed the government and are trying to move forward, you must also adopt the same spirit,” the secretary quoted Prime Minister Shah as saying. “When it comes to necessary changes in rules and laws, we can bring about these changes without any excuses. Work without excuses.”

He also clearly instructed the employees not to be late in performing their duties for any reason. “There should be no delays citing any reasons,” Balen emphasized.

The briefing held with government employees and newly appointed ministers was brief.

“He spoke for only about five minutes while giving the instructions; we just listened,” the secretary added.

March 26, Kathmandu – The decisions from the first Council of Ministers meeting of the newly formed government have been made public.

Government spokesperson Samit Pokharel stated that four decisions were made, including the implementation of the investigation commission report on the Janjati (Jangi) Movement.

Balen Shah, who was appointed Prime Minister today, had convened the first Council of Ministers meeting.

He informed that the meeting decided to implement the report submitted by the Karki Commission along with other resolutions.

The decisions of the meeting are as follows:

– To honor and pay tribute to all known and unknown martyrs of the Janjati Movement that occurred on September 8 and 9, as well as previous various movements.

– To appoint the Minister of Education, Science, and Technology as the Government of Nepal’s spokesperson.

– To approve one hundred action plans for governmental reform (to be published by tomorrow).

– To implement the report submitted to the Government of Nepal by the commission formed under the chairmanship of Gauribahadur Karki to investigate the events of the protests on September 8 and 9, which includes:

• First, to establish a study committee on security mechanisms among the individuals and entities recommended by the commission and to proceed according to this committee’s recommendations.
• Second, to immediately implement other recommendations.