1,000-page Gen Z probe report submitted to Nepal govt, legal action recommended

A high-level commission investigating the deadly Gen Z protests in Nepal last September has submitted its 1,000-page report to the interim government, blaming administrative inefficiency, governance failures, and politicisation of institutions for the unrest.

The judicial inquiry , led by former Supreme Court justice Gauri Bahadur Karki , handed the report to Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki at Singhdurbar on Sunday. While the report highlighted systemic failures, it did not publicly disclose the names of those responsible for shootings or other incidents.

During the two-day unrest, a total of 76 people lost their lives, including 22 on September 8 and 54 on September 9 , while over 2,000 others were injured . The protests erupted over a controversial social media ban , corruption, nepotism, and frustration with political stagnation. Large-scale arson and vandalism hit government offices, leading to 267 arrests .

According to the commission, the violence was primarily caused by misgovernance and inefficiency , compounded by the politicisation of bureaucracy and judiciary , which deepened public distrust. The report recommended legal action against those who ordered, carried out, or failed to prevent the shootings of Gen Z protesters. It also documented facts impartially , based on witness accounts, official statements, and evidence collected during the investigation.

The commission noted structural gaps in governance and constitutional bodies that delayed effective response during the crisis. It also suggested reforms to prevent similar unrest in the future, including measures to restore public trust, strengthen institutional accountability, and address youth grievances .

The inquiry was originally given three months to complete its work but received three extensions , totaling 75 additional days. It was expected before the March 5 general elections, held after former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned following the protests. Analysts said these elections were a referendum on governance and youth demands , with outcomes likely to reshape Nepal’s political landscape.

Civil society groups and opposition leaders had repeatedly demanded early disclosure of the report. Justice Karki warned that failure to implement recommendations could trigger renewed Gen Z movements , highlighting the urgency of action.

The interim government has promised compensation for victims’ families and support for the injured , while planning reforms to prevent future unrest. Nepal now faces the challenge of rebuilding public confidence and addressing youth concerns effectively.