Ramesh Lekhak Denies Firing Orders, Says Gen-Z Protest Was Infiltrated

Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has given his statement to a high-level probe commission investigating the incidents linked to the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9.

Lekhak appeared before the commission, led by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki, on Monday. He recorded his statement for nearly two hours, from 12:45 pm to 2:45 pm, and submitted a six-page written explanation. Afterward, he addressed the media at the Nepali Congress parliamentary party office.
In his statement, Lekhak explained the background of the movement, the security situation at the time, his moral responsibility, and what he expects from the commission.

He firmly rejected allegations that he ordered security forces to use force or fire bullets during the protests. Lekhak said that neither he, as Home Minister, nor former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had the legal authority to issue such orders. He stressed that no written or verbal instruction to open fire was given and that ministers are not legally allowed to order firing.
Lekhak said he resigned from his post after the incidents, taking moral responsibility as a political leader.

He also claimed that attacks on leaders’ homes, ashrams, and state buildings during the movement were planned and supported by certain groups. According to him, on Bhadra 24, specific targets were deliberately attacked, ashrams were set on fire, and serious criminal acts took place.

Lekhak further said that the Gen-Z movement was infiltrated. He claimed the infiltration began after the procession reached New Baneshwor from Maitighar on September 8. Even after the organizers announced the end of the protest, violence and vandalism continued in a planned way.

In conclusion, Lekhak said that acts of violence and destruction were carried out in the name of the Gen-Z movement due to deliberate infiltration.