Kathmandu, April 4: Former prime minister KP Sharma Oli has told investigators he did not order security forces to open fire during the Gen Z movement, arguing such an act would have violated the constitutional principle of separation of powers.
In a statement recorded in police custody, Oli said decisions on the use of force fall within the jurisdiction of security agencies, not the executive head. He maintained that any direct order from the prime minister to use force would be unconstitutional and illegal.
Police recorded his statement until late Thursday night in a hospital, in the presence of a government attorney. The process concluded Friday. Officials involved said Oli consistently emphasized that security decisions must remain within the authority of designated agencies.
The recording of statement came amid scrutiny following the Karki Commission Report, which held the executive leadership responsible for the use of force during incidents on Bhadra 23 and 24. Oli rejected that conclusion, claiming the report includes recommendations that contradict the constitution and existing laws.
Oli also told investigators that a National Security Council meeting held on the eve of the protests concluded the demonstrations would remain peaceful and that force would not be required. He added that “infiltration” by disruptive groups later escalated the situation.
According to his statement, the authority to control riots and maintain public order lies with district security committees under the Local Administration Act. He said his role as prime minister was limited to directing agencies to ensure preparedness and prevent unlawful elements from entering protests.
Oli further said his primary concern during the unrest was to avoid human casualties. He stressed that separation of powers applies not only among the executive, legislature and judiciary, but also across all state organs, preventing encroachment into each other’s jurisdictions.
Oli, who was arrested on March 26, remains in police custody under a second court-approved remand. His statement was recorded in hospital due to health issues.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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