Oli questions PM’s responsibility for GenZ human losses

Kathmandu — CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli has strongly criticized those who argue that the Prime Minister must take responsibility for the human casualties that occurred during the GenZ movement. He claimed such statements are politically motivated attacks directed at his party and its leadership.

Addressing a meeting of outgoing lawmakers in Chyasal, Oli said categorically that he would not take responsibility for the incidents of Bhadra 23 and 24, the two days when large-scale clashes took place during the GenZ protests. “I have said it before and I repeat it today  I will not take responsibility for those incidents,” he said.

His remarks come days after UML Vice-Chair Surendra Pandey commented that if the Prime Minister can claim credit for rebuilding Dharahara, then he should also take responsibility for the deaths that occurred during the GenZ uprising. Pandey's statement had sparked widespread debate within political circles and social media.

Reacting sharply to such views, Oli asked what the intent behind demanding accountability was. “We hear people say that the Prime Minister should take responsibility. What does taking responsibility even mean?” he asked. “This is a clear attack on the party. It is an attack on the leadership. Those making such claims are targeting us politically.”

Oli further defended the actions of the security forces during the GenZ protests. He said the army, police, and other security agencies had already clarified that they were compelled to open fire after protesters attempted to set the Parliament building on fire. According to him, the situation had escalated to a point where security intervention became unavoidable.

The 76 people who died in the nationwide waves of youth-led demonstrations that comprised the GenZ movement; of them, the interim government has already declared 45 as martyrs. The demand for accountability-most significantly from the very top of the governing hierarchy-continues to fan political controversy.

As debates on accountability and political responsibility heat up, Oli's latest remarks underline growing tensions within the UML leadership and the broader political landscape.