KATHMANDU, Sept 19: The Nepali Congress (NC) has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the dissolution of the House of Representatives and has demanded the formation of a high-level judicial commission to investigate the arson, vandalism and looting that occurred during the Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9.
A meeting of the party’s Central Working Committee (CWC), held Friday at the party’s central office in Sanepa—which was damaged during the protests—was chaired by Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka, as Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba remains under treatment following injuries sustained during the demonstrations. The committee called for a fact-based investigation and action against those responsible for the violence.
“We condemn and denounce the incidents and demand the formation of a high-level judicial investigation commission. We have concluded that the violence was carried out by criminal groups, causing damages worth billions to public and private property,” said Min Bahadur Bishwakarma, chief of the party’s Information, Communication, and Publicity Department. Bishwakarma also noted that although the Gen Z protests were initially expected to be peaceful, they turned violent, resulting in casualties and widespread destruction. The committee strongly condemned the attack on Deuba and his wife, describing it as inhumane.
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The CWC also reiterated NC’s opposition to the dissolution of the House of Representatives, calling the move unconstitutional. While the party stated that it would not oppose elections outright as a democratic force, it emphasized the need to consult other political parties regarding the dissolution. The NC stressed that any political solution must be sought within the framework of the existing constitution, which it said must provide a way out of the political complexities arising under special circumstances.
In addition to addressing the protests and political upheaval, the committee reaffirmed the party’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring good governance through proper legal and institutional measures. Bishwakarma emphasized that all party operations, including organizational restructuring, would be conducted in accordance with the party’s statute. He clarified that the issue of leadership handover or internal reorganization was not raised during the meeting, describing such discussions as personal expressions that occasionally emerge during times of crisis.
The NC has been preparing for its 15th General Convention and continues to focus on understanding and explaining the active membership process. Bishwakarma said, “Just as we stand by the constitution for running the country, we intend to do everything within the party’s statute for running the party.”
The political backdrop to these developments includes the resignation of outgoing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on September 9, the formation of an interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki on September 11, and the announcement of elections for March 5 by President Ramchandra Paudel based on the interim government’s recommendation. Major parties, including NC, CPN-UML, and CPN (Maoist Centre), have opposed the House dissolution, though they remain open to participating in the upcoming elections.
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