Nepal’s Interim PM Receives Report on Gen Z Protests

Kathmandu, Nepal – A high-level commission investigating the September 2025 protests led by Generation Z has submitted its findings to Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki. The report, presented on Sunday, March 8, 2026, attributes the unrest to poor governance and inefficiencies within the previous administration.

Report Findings and Recommendations

The 1,000-page report, chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki, details the events surrounding the protests that resulted in 76 deaths – 22 youths on September 8 and 54 others on September 9. Although the commission has identified individuals responsible for actions during the protests, including those who allegedly ordered the shooting of protesters and those who failed to prevent the killings, neither the commission nor the government has publicly released those names.

According to Justice Karki, the unrest stemmed from systemic issues, including the politicization of government institutions, bureaucracy and the judiciary. The report recommends legal action against those found responsible for the events.

“Those involved in shooting the Gen Z youths and issuing orders, as well as those who didn’t act to stop the killings, have been recommended for legal action,” Chairman Karki told media persons after handing over the report.

Background of the Protests and Transition

The protests erupted in September 2025 following a ban on Instagram and were fueled by years of public dissatisfaction with Nepal’s political elites. The unrest led to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on September 9, creating a political vacuum.

Sushila Karki, a former Chief Justice, was subsequently appointed as interim Prime Minister on September 12, 2025, becoming Nepal’s first female Prime Minister. Her appointment followed a poll conducted on the Discord platform by activists seeking a politically neutral leader to guide the country towards fresh elections. Hindustan Times

A judicial inquiry commission was formed on September 21, 2025, led by Gauri Bahadur Karki, to investigate the incidents related to the protests. The commission was initially given a three-month period to complete its investigation, which was later extended three times.

Upcoming Elections and Potential for Further Unrest

Nepal’s 2026 general election commenced after months of political turmoil triggered by the Gen Z-led protests. Interim Prime Minister Karki cast her vote on Thursday, marking the end of her six-month term managing the transition. The Statesman

Justice Karki cautioned that failure to implement the commission’s recommendations could lead to a resurgence of protests. The commission emphasized that its investigation was conducted impartially and based on established facts. ANI News