According to the report, the lethal force used by the then police chief of Nepal was the main reason behind the violence in which at least 19 people lost their lives during the Gen Z-led anti-corruption protests last September.

What happened in the Gen Z protest in Nepal?

This violence erupted on September 8, when thousands of youngsters gathered to protest against the growing corruption in the country. Seventeen-year-old Shreeyam Chaulagain lost his life. According to available video footage, Chaulagain was seen walking away from the protest site unarmed when he was shot from behind on his head.

This violent crackdown resulted in the resignation of then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and led to the collapse of the government.

Who gave the shooting order in the Nepal protest?

The report indicates the instruction to ‘deploy necessary force’ came from ‘Peter 1’ immediately after the order was imposed, around 12:30 pm. Sources have confirmed that ‘Peter 1’ was the then Inspector General of Police Chandra Kuber Khapung.

Khapung has agreed to have issued the order, but he claims he only followed the directive after authorization from the government security committee. He even stated that the order came after the police failed to control the crowd. The Nepal Police stated that the escalation complied with national law.

What makes the accounts conflicting?

Reports suggest the police chief sought permission before using live ammunition, post the failure to control the crowd with tear gas, batons and rubber bullets. The number of protestors exceeded the estimate of 30,000. Police Chief Khapung retired a month after the protest and has denied responsibility for the deaths in a written submission to the Supreme Court of Nepal.

During the investigation, police confirmed that their action followed a direction from Chhabi Lal Rijal, a senior civil servant. However, Rijal has denied giving permission to use live ammunition. Such contradicting statements have created confusion. Who is responsible for the Nepal unrest?

Records show 77 civilians died during the unrest across the capital, Kathmandu

On records 77 civilians have died during the unrest across the capital Kathmandu. As the general election is scheduled for March 5, the family members of the deceased civilians are demanding justice and clarity regarding the force that was used. As the general election is scheduled on March 5, the family members of the deceased civilians are demanding justice and clarity on the force that was used.