Nepal former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has hinted at a conspiracy behind the shooting that resulted in the unrest in the country, stating investigations must determine who used automatic weapons that the police did not have.
Speaking for the first time after emerging from the Army barracks where he spent nine days under the Nepalese Army security, Oli said the violence that followed the shooting was a conspiracy. He expressed doubts about whether the country was being deliberately dismantled.
“Conspirators created violence, and our youths lost their lives. The government never ordered police to shoot at protesters. Investigations must determine who used automatic weapons that the police did not have,” he said in his Constitution Day message shared on his social media platforms.
Nineteen people died in Nepal after police opened fire at a 'Gen Z' protest over a social media ban. The following riots killed more, with officials estimating that at least 51, including Indians, perished in the incidents.
“After my resignation, Singha Durbar was set on fire, Nepal’s map was burned, and attempts were made to erase the nation’s identity. Institutions, courts, businesses, party offices, leaders’ houses, and private properties were selectively reduced to ashes,” he lamented.
Oli stayed under the Army’s security in Shivapuri forest area in the North of Kathmandu, as soon as the Gen Z protest turned violent. He left the barracks on Thursday for a private place after the new government under Prime Minister Sushila Karki took over. Karki assumed power on Thursday to lead the transitional government after winning most votes among Gen Z voters on Discord, a free communication platform on Wednesday.
There were also reports that the Army assured protection for Oli only after he resigned. According to reports, after furious protesters closed in on his doorstep, Oli panickedly rang up Nepal Army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, requesting a helicopter to flee Kathmandu. However, Sidgel bluntly sought his resignation before offering him a chopper.