‘Had the Army Taken to the Streets on September 10 Afternoon, Further Bloodshed Could Have Occurred’
The summary of the news has been prepared after editorial review. Following the Janandolan II movement, which led to a power vacuum and increased violence in the state, Om Prakash Aryal revealed that an agreement to appoint Sushila Karki as Prime Minister was reached at the military headquarters and Sheetal Niwas. He stated that the incidents on September 9 and 10 involved infiltration and planned destruction, emphasizing that the commission’s reports should be considered official. Aryal also criticized the current government for deviating from the agenda of good governance, rule of law, and ending impunity, resulting in an atmosphere of fear.
On September 9 and 10 of last year, the Janandolan II movement took place in Nepal, which led to the overthrow of the then ruling power. Subsequently, the country entered a period of political transition. Amid uncertainty about how to overcome this transition and move the country forward post-movement, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Sushila Karki, which organized elections and brought the nation back within constitutional boundaries.
Speaking on the occasion of the first anniversary of Janandolan II, former Interim Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal stated, “Last year in September, Janandolan II was a different kind of uprising compared to previous revolts.” He added, “At that time, there was noticeable weakness in governance. People came to the streets, declaring, ‘This is Janandolan II’s movement; others should not join.’” He noted that the suppression and atrocities by the state during the September 9 protests, which resulted in many Janandolan II demonstrators’ deaths, sparked widespread outrage.
Aryal detailed that on September 10 after 12 pm, the Prime Minister was moved by helicopter to a safe location and that several incidents occurred through the night. He remarked, “If the army had been deployed early in the morning, further bloodshed might have occurred.” He explained that deploying the army required a legal process, which the government failed to undertake. Aryal stated, “It appears the army did not come onto the streets immediately due to concerns over potential competition and clashes between civilians and the military.”