Overnight Discussions at Police Headquarters Amid Tensions Following Arrests of Oli and Lekhak

Home Minister Sudan Gurung announced that the Cabinet has decided to implement the recommendations of the Gauribahadur Karki Commission. Police arrested former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and outgoing Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, accusing them of involvement in violence during the Janajati (Adivasi) movement and causing loss of lives. To keep Oli and Lekhak in custody, they must undergo health examinations followed by a request to extend custody through the Attorney General’s office in court. (14 Chaitra, Kathmandu)

Upon assuming office on Friday, newly appointed Home Minister Sudan Gurung addressed security personnel under his command, stating, “The Cabinet’s decision mandates the implementation of the commission’s report.” He indicated the commitment to enforce the Gauribahadur Karki Commission’s recommendations. Sudan not only reminded everyone about the Janajati movement but also urged them to observe one minute of silence in memory of the martyrs of the movement. Immediately after taking charge, he met with wounded individuals and the families of martyrs from the Janajati movement.

At the Cabinet meeting, the Minister drove his own private red-plated vehicle to attend. Following Sudan’s indication at the Home Ministry, the Cabinet resolved to implement the Karki Commission’s report. It also decided to form a committee for further study on security agencies and to immediately implement other recommendations, according to government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel. After the decision, Home Minister Sudan consulted for two hours with Nepal Police Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki and Armed Police Force IGP Raju Aryal.

On Saturday morning, the Police Headquarters and Armed Police Force Headquarters issued a circular directing strict attendance from personnel ranging from constables to Senior Superintendents of Police (SSP) and Superintendents of Police (SP). The Kathmandu Valley police issued a standby order to forces in all three districts (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur). For further discussions, Home Minister Sudan, Home Secretary Rajkumar Shrestha, Nepal Police IGP Dan Bahadur Karki, Armed Police Force IGP Raju Aryal, Kathmandu Valley Police Office Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Ishwar Karki, and Armed Police AIG Ganesh Thada Magar convened at the IGP residence in Naxal, Police Headquarters.