Police in Nepal have arrested two high-ranking officials, former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, in connection with the deaths of dozens of people during violent protests in September. The protests, which led to the toppling of the government and subsequent new elections, resulted in a total of 76 fatalities and over 2,300 injuries. The arrests were carried out by police officers in riot gear, who conducted the operation at the men's homes before taking them to the Kathmandu District Police office. The move comes a day after a new government, led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, took office following a landslide victory in a parliamentary election.
The new government has stated that the arrests are a step towards justice, with Home Minister Sudan Gurung emphasizing that "no one is above the law." The arrests have, however, triggered an angry response from Oli's supporters, who gathered near the prime minister's office to protest and demand the immediate release of their leader. The situation remains tense, with police using batons to try and clear the road blocked by protesters.
The elections held earlier this month marked the country's first since the protests, which were fueled by youth-led activism against corruption and poor governance. The demonstrations led to the appointment of Nepal's first female prime minister, Sushila Karki, a retired Supreme Court judge who served during the transition leading up to the election.
The arrests of former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak mark a significant step towards accountability in Nepal. The country's history of corruption and poor governance has been a major concern, and the new government's commitment to justice is a welcome development. The Nepalese people are eager to see the perpetrators of the violent protests brought to justice, and the arrests are a crucial step towards healing the nation's wounds.
