Crucial Commission Report on Deadly Crackdown Faces Pre-Election Uncertainty
As Nepal hurtles towards the March 5 elections, a pivotal commission tasked with investigating the government’s forceful response to anti-corruption protests and the subsequent widespread destruction of public and private property is nearing the completion of its report. The central question now is whether its findings will be revealed to the public before voters head to the polls, a move that could significantly sway the electoral landscape.
The Gauri Bahadur Karki-led commission’s conclusions and recommendations are deemed critical by many. Concerns are being voiced by leaders of established political parties that if the report is released prior to the elections and implicates candidates currently vying for office, it could introduce undue influence into the electoral process. With the election code of conduct already in effect, the Election Commission itself holds the authority to advise the government on how to proceed with the report’s disclosure.
Sources within the government have indicated that no formal discussions have yet taken place regarding the receipt of the commission’s report. Even if the Karki commission is prepared to submit its findings, the government would first engage in consultations with the Election Commission and other relevant stakeholders.
With the commission’s deadline looming, its report-writing process has been significantly expedited. A spokesperson for the commission confirmed that the report is in its final stages of preparation, emphasizing that the decision to receive it rests solely with the government.
Key Figures Provide Statements to the Commission
In its recent efforts, the Karki commission has concluded the recording of statements from prominent officials who were in positions of authority during the period of the crackdown. This includes:
- Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli: A key political figure during the events.
- Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak: Directly involved in the government’s security apparatus.
- Former Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal: A senior civil servant overseeing government operations.
- Then Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Dawadi: Held a crucial role in the ministry responsible for internal security.
- Then Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, Chhabi Rijal: The chief administrator of the capital city during the protests.
Beyond government officials, the commission has also gathered testimony from other influential leaders, such as:
- Former Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba: A prominent opposition leader.
- Nepali Communist Party’s Pushpa Kamal Dahal: Another significant political figure.
- Former Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah: Who played a visible role during the protests.
Statements have also been collected from senior figures within Nepal’s security agencies, including:
- Then Inspector General of Nepal Police, Chandrakuber Khapung: The head of the national police force at the time.
- Current Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki: The incumbent head of the Nepal Police.
- Armed Police Force Inspector General Raju Aryal: Leading a specialized security force.
- Nepali Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel: The commander of the national army.
- Then Head of the National Investigation Department, Hutaraj Thapa: The chief of Nepal’s intelligence agency.
Government’s Hesitation and Public Interest
Ministers have privately conveyed that while the issue of the report’s release has not been formally debated, the government is reluctant to accept it before the upcoming elections. A minister, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the report’s sensitivity and its potential to impact the electoral outcomes. The minister added that if the Karki commission’s mandate is not extended beyond its current February 11 deadline, the government will explore alternative courses of action.
The public has a significant stake in the commission’s findings, given that the two-day crackdown and subsequent violence resulted in the tragic loss of 77 lives, with many injured succumbing to their wounds. The destruction of property is estimated to be worth billions of rupees. The Cabinet had previously extended the commission’s term by 20 days on January 22.
The same minister further stated that the government is still deliberating on whether to accept the report. Even if received, the possibility of keeping it confidential exists, though pressure from various stakeholders could complicate matters. As of now, no definitive decision has been made.
Despite the pressing deadline, the commission has not indicated any intention to seek an extension of its term. An official within the commission confirmed that there have been no discussions about further extensions, nor is there any plan to do so.
An official from the Prime Minister’s Office has noted a keen interest in the report’s potential outcomes from several political leaders, particularly those affiliated with the CPN-UML and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
Political Connections and Election Dynamics
The former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who led the nation during the “Gen Z” movement in September, has been a key figure whose statements were recorded. The commission also took statements from RSP chief Rabi Lamichhane and Balen Shah. Shah, who recently resigned as mayor and joined the RSP to contest the elections, was the mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City during the protests. Lamichhane faces allegations related to an incident at Nakhhu prison on September 8, while Shah has faced criticism from some political opponents and groups for his conduct during the Gen Z protests.
The commission was established on September 21, initially with a three-month mandate, which was later extended by an additional 20 days. Its original mandate was to investigate human and material losses, analyze the causes of the incidents, submit findings and recommendations, collect information on damages, propose preventive measures, and prepare an action plan for implementing its recommendations. This mandate was subsequently broadened through a 10-point agreement reached between Gen Z representatives and the government on November 30.
Parallel Investigations and Lingering Skepticism
Concurrently, the National Human Rights Commission has also concluded its investigation and statement collection, and is in the process of preparing its own report. This human rights watchdog had formed a separate committee, led by member Lily Thapa. While both commissions are in the final stages of their report writing, a degree of skepticism persists regarding the public disclosure of their findings.
Lily Thapa stated that her team would submit its report to the panel led by commission chair Top Bahadur Magar in the coming week. She explained that the panel would review the report before its endorsement and could even recommend further investigation if deemed necessary. However, she was unable to confirm whether the report would be released before the elections.
The government’s stance remains one of indecision. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, who also serves as the government’s spokesperson, reiterated that no decision has been made regarding the receipt of the report, emphasizing that the Cabinet will be the ultimate decision-making body.
