Daijiworld Media Network - Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Mar 28: The arrest of former Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Saturday triggered widespread protests across the Kathmandu Valley, with supporters of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) taking to the streets in opposition.

Oli, along with former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, was taken into custody from their residences in Bhaktapur district in connection with homicide-related cases linked to the suppression of the Gen-Z uprising in September last year. Following his arrest, Oli was admitted to a Kathmandu hospital after reportedly experiencing health issues.

Protests quickly spread across the valley after the party’s central leadership called for demonstrations. Supporters burned tyres and copies of an inquiry commission report that had recommended criminal action against Oli, Lekhak, and former police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung. Clashes between protesters and police were reported, with some injuries on both sides.

The arrests followed a decision by the newly formed government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah to implement the findings of the inquiry commission. In response, the CPN-UML announced a series of phased protests, including district-level demonstrations and submissions of memorandums to local authorities.

The party strongly condemned the arrests, calling them politically motivated and unlawful. It demanded the formation of a high-level investigation panel led by a sitting Supreme Court judge to ensure a fair and impartial probe.

Meanwhile, former President Bidya Devi Bhandari criticised the government’s move, describing it as hasty and potentially destabilising. She warned that implementing the inquiry report without adequate legal scrutiny and consultation could undermine public trust and increase the risk of unrest in the country.

The situation remains tense, with further protests expected in the coming days as political divisions deepen.