September 27, 2025

Nepal’s ex-leader and CPN-UML boss KP Sharma Oli has finally spoken out after the fiery Gen-Z protests that rocked the nation and forced him to quit. At a party event in Bhaktapur, with security guards by his side, Oli didn’t hold back. He blamed "infiltrators" for turning peaceful protests violent and denied any blame for the tragic bloodshed. "On September 8, after noon, when you (Gen-Z protestors) reached the Everest Hotel and were at the barricade, some infiltrators mingled with the crowd. As the situation escalated, efforts were made to de-escalate it, and many Gen-Z protesters returned. However, some were surrounded and pushed forward by these infiltrators, resulting in damage and the tragic loss of dozens of young lives. An investigation committee has been formed to look into the matter, and I am confident that the truth will be revealed," Oli said. The September protests started as peaceful calls for political accountability and an end to a social media ban. But things turned ugly when police used water cannons, tear gas, and even live bullets. Sadly, this led to 74 deaths, mostly young students under 30, making it Nepal's bloodiest unrest since 2006. Oli fiercely defended the youth, saying, "Our new generation, wrapped in the national flag, doesn't engage in vandalism and arson at Singhadurbar or elsewhere. Our Gen-Z doesn't set fire to government buildings, parliament, hotels, industries, or courts. They don't target offices based on political affiliations; that's not what Gen-Z does." While Oli claims he tried to stop the violence and resigned early on September 9 to avoid more destruction, critics hit back. A former minister, speaking anonymously, said, "Oli was adamant about not stepping down despite rising pressure... It is Oli who has blood on his hands; if he had stepped down the same evening, many lives would have been saved." Police reports confirmed deadly bullet wounds to heads and chests, though officers were only supposed to shoot below the knee during protests. Following the crackdown, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned in protest against the use of lethal force. After stepping down, Oli fled his official home and stayed under army protection until last week. Now he’s back, firing shots at the interim government. "I am hearing about various gossip... Blocking the passports, what have they thought of (me)?... We must make this country a constitutional and democratic one," he said. Oli also raised alarms over security threats targeting him on social media. "The House's location has been shared and publicised; what are the government waiting for?" he questioned, demanding better protection. The protests of September 8, dubbed the Gen Z Revolution, echo Nepal's 2006 democracy movement that ended the monarchy. With the parliament dissolved and elections due next March, Nepal faces a tense political battle ahead. Meanwhile, Gen-Z protesters keep the pressure alive in Kathmandu and beyond. Oli’s return signals his fight to stay relevant in Nepal’s politics despite the storm of public anger and tragedy that marked his fall.

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Tags: Kp sharma oli, Gen z protests, Nepal, Violence, Political crisis, Security concerns,