Nepal PM Calls Violence in Gen Z Protests ‘Criminal Acts’

Nepal’s new interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Sunday condemned the arson and vandalism during last week’s Gen Z protests, calling them criminal acts against the country.

Karki, who took office earlier in the day after being appointed interim prime minister on Friday, announced relief measures for victims of the unrest and pledged to hold elections as part of her government’s roadmap.

Speaking at Singha Durbar after assuming charge, she said the violent incidents must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible brought to justice. “Looking at what happened in the name of protests, it seems as if it was carried out in a planned way, raising questions of a conspiracy,” she noted.

Karki stressed the need for collective determination to address the demands of the youth movement, saying she accepted the role of interim prime minister at the public’s urging, not out of personal ambition.

She announced that the government would investigate damage caused to Singha Durbar, the Parliament building, the Supreme Court, business complexes, and private property.

The prime minister also called for a positive approach to steer the nation forward, highlighting the importance of stabilising the economy while responding to the aspirations of the new generation.