K.P. Oli, Nepal’s former prime minister, has finally spoken out. He broke his silence on September 19, 2025, after being forced from office. The 73-year-old insisted his government never ordered police to use deadly force against protesters. He called for a full investigation into the violence that tragically claimed the lives of more than 70 young people.
For weeks, Mr. Oli had been out of the public eye following his resignation. His aides previously stated he was under military protection. He only reappeared the day before making this public statement. Mr. Oli strongly denied his administration gave any orders to shoot at demonstrators. He claimed that troublemakers had slipped into the protest crowds. These infiltrators, he suggested, were the ones who sparked the deadly clashes.
The protests began on September 8. They started after a temporary ban on social media, but public anger had been building for a long time. People were fed up with widespread corruption and a struggling economy. The first day of demonstrations quickly turned violent, with at least 19 people dying.
Mr. Oli specifically called for an inquiry into reports of automatic weapons being used. He pointed out that local police forces do not typically carry such firearms. He repeated his firm stance: “The government did not order firing on protesters.” The country is now grappling with the aftermath of this unrest and the question of who is truly responsible for the deaths.
Following Mr. Oli’s departure, Sushila Karki stepped in as interim prime minister. The 73-year-old former Chief Justice has a tough job ahead. Her main tasks include calming the nation and meeting the protesters’ demands for more transparency and a crackdown on corruption. This critical period comes just six months before new elections are scheduled to take place, aiming to bring lasting stability.