Investigation Report of Karki Commission to Progress Only After New Government Takes Office; What Is Rastriya Swatantra Party’s Stance?
Image Source, PMO
As public interest grows over the non-disclosure of the investigation report by the commission formed to probe the youth protests in Bhadra, the government has stated that the report process will only advance after the new government assumes office.
“There is significant interest in the report, which is natural,” said Suman Raj Aryal, the government’s Chief Secretary. “Within seven to eight days, the new government is expected to form around the 10th to 12th. After that, this (report) process will move forward.”
Only a few days ago, the interim government received the report presented by the commission led by Gauri Bahadur Karki and had planned to release it publicly.
Following the cabinet meeting last Sunday, government spokesperson and Home Minister Omprakash Aryal had promised detailed information on Monday, but there have been no further updates regarding the report since then.
“We are in talks with officials from the Home Ministry who are currently reviewing the matter,” Chief Secretary Aryal added.
Former Justice Girishchandra Lal, who led the investigation commission formed to examine the Madhes protests, has stated that the responsibility to make the report public lies with the current government.
“The government delayed receiving the report out of fear it could affect the elections. Since it was a central electoral issue, that was a practical and appropriate decision,” he said. “However, the government should have made the report public after the elections. Appointments are currently not blocked, so there is no obstacle to releasing the report now.”
All Matters to Be Handled by the New Government
Image Source, PMO
Chief Secretary Aryal stated that once the new government is formed, the Karki commission’s report will be handed over and formally submitted to that government.
When asked about the possibility of the current government releasing the report, the Chief Secretary declined, saying:
“That won’t happen now. It will go to the new government. That is the instruction I have received.”
According to Prime Minister’s press advisor Ram Bahadur Rawal, when the cabinet accepted the report, it tasked the Chief Secretary with forming a study committee to further examine it.
“The responsibility to identify who will be in this committee and to authenticate it was given to the Chief Secretary. He is likely working on that,” he explained.
Chief Secretary Aryal added that this task would be handed over to the new government for study.
He emphasized that all matters related to the report would be taken forward by the new government.
“The current government believes it may not be appropriate to move forward with the process during this period of political transition.”
Response from Rastriya Swatantra Party
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which secured a landslide victory in the recent House of Representatives election, is expected to form the government within days.
RSP spokesperson Manish Jha stated that there is no reason for the current government to withhold the report.
“It would have been better if the previous government had proceeded with it. We have neither intervened nor impeded it,” he said.
When asked by BBC whether they would make it public after assuming office, newly elected MP Manish Jha responded, “That will definitely happen.”
The party’s electoral agreement includes a second pledge to implement the recommendations from the investigation report on the Gen-J youth protests that took place on Bhadra 23 and 24, 2082 (Nepali calendar).
Views from Gen-J and Experts
Raksha Bam, coordinator of the Gen-J Front, demands that the government clarify the reasons for not making the report public.
“It was the government’s responsibility to conduct the election and also to take responsibility for the Gen-J movement as it was formed after the movement,” she said. “The responsibility to investigate and implement the report rested with this government.”
However, she clarified that they do not conclude that the Karki-led government abandoned its responsibility.
“The government received and reviewed the report. But this government is leaving office, and the responsibility to take action against the culprits will be with the new government. Yet, if the current government does not release the report, it would clearly indicate evasion.”
Former Justice Lal views the government’s withholding of the report as an attempt to conceal many aspects.
“Any government that does not publicize this report is shirking its duties,” he said.
“The government was formed to carry out what needed to be done, and that should have been thoroughly done. Intentionally neglecting others is unacceptable.”
“Therefore, if possible, the current government should release the report. Otherwise, the incoming government must do so and ensure full implementation,” Former Justice Lal added. “That is the true meaning of change. If this is not accepted, then what is the point?”
What Has Happened So Far?
Image Source, Skanda Gautam/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The commission’s report includes details of protestors’ deaths on Bhadra 23, abuses by security forces, and political leadership involvement.
Last week, after submitting the report to Prime Minister Karki, spokesperson Vijnan Raj Sharma said, “Recommendations for action against those responsible are included.”
Sharma conveyed in an interview that the events of Bhadra 23 and 24 were criminal acts and were appropriately covered in the report.
The report is said to be more than 900 pages long.
Prime Minister Karki had stated that after receiving the report, the government itself would release its conclusions.
The cabinet initially granted the investigative commission three months to probe the events of Bhadra 23 and 24, which was later extended three times by one month, 20 days, and 25 days respectively.
The commission interrogated over 200 individuals during the five and a half months of investigation.
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