NHRC Seeks Action Against K P Sharma Oli, Top Leaders Over Gen Z Protest Crackdown in Nepal

Nepal’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended legal action against former prime minister K P Sharma Oli and several senior political leaders over alleged human rights violations during last year’s Gen Z protests , which left 77 people dead and triggered the collapse of the then government.

In a 29-page report released Wednesday , the constitutional body said there was sufficient ground for action against Oli, also the CPN-UML chairman , along with then home minister Ramesh Lekhak of the Nepali Congress and former communication minister Prithvi Subba Gurung . The alleged violations relate to the September 8–9, 2025 protests , which escalated into widespread violence, arson and clashes between protesters and security forces.

The NHRC said the state response to the unrest raised serious human rights concerns and noted that existing laws are inadequate to prosecute accountability in such mass protest-related deaths. It recommended that the government introduce new legislation to address such gaps. The report also proposed political restrictions , including a five-year ban on contesting elections and a three-year foreign travel restriction for those found responsible.

The commission also flagged the role of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chairman Rabi Lamichhane , describing his alleged escape from Nakkhu Prison during the protests as “unauthorised and illegal.” At the time, Lamichhane was in custody in a cooperative fund embezzlement case. The NHRC said the act amounted to both a criminal offence and a human rights violation , recommending legal proceedings.

Further, the report called for investigations into RSP lawmakers Manish Jha and Hari Dhakal , along with several security officials including incumbent Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki , former APF AIG Narayan Prasad Paudel , and ex-NID chief Krishna Khanal .

It held the Nepal Army responsible for failing to protect key state institutions, including the Prime Minister’s Office, Supreme Court and President’s Office, from vandalism and arson, though no direct action was recommended against the military.

Notably, the NHRC report remained silent on the role of Kathmandu Mayor and current PM Balendra Shah , despite his association with the protest movement.