Nepal’s Former PM KP Sharma Oli Questioned Over Deadly Protest Crackdown
Kathmandu, Nepal - Nepal’s former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was questioned on Sunday, January 4, 2026, by a government commission investigating a violent crackdown on a youth-led uprising that ultimately led to the overthrow of his government in September 2025. The inquiry marks a significant step in addressing the unrest that shook the Himalayan nation, leaving dozens dead and prompting widespread calls for accountability.
According to commission spokesperson Bigyan Raj Sharma, Oli provided a statement when officials arrived at his residence to deliver a summons. This development comes after Oli had previously resisted appearing before the commission, arguing that it lacked a “constitutional basis,” as reported by the South China Morning Post. The commission’s persistence underscores the interim government’s determination to investigate allegations of excessive use of force during the protests, which were driven by young Nepalis, often referred to as the “Gen Z movement,” demanding anti-corruption reforms and systemic change.
Details of the Investigation
The commission’s inquiry focuses on the events of September 8-9, 2025, when protests in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal escalated into violent confrontations with security forces. Reports indicate that at least 19 youths were killed in police firing on the first day alone, with the total death toll reaching 77 nationwide over the two days of unrest, according to India Today. The crackdown, coupled with a temporary social media ban imposed by Oli’s government to stifle the anti-corruption movement, fueled public outrage and ultimately led to his resignation on September 9, 2025.
Oli’s questioning is seen as a critical moment in the investigation, as the former prime minister was at the helm during the controversial response to the protests. The commission, appointed by Nepal’s interim government, aims to determine whether the use of force was justified or if it constituted a violation of human rights. As noted by The Times of India, the panel had planned to summon Oli earlier, reflecting the urgency and public pressure surrounding the probe.
Background: A Youth-Led Uprising
The September 2025 protests were a culmination of growing frustration among Nepal’s youth over entrenched corruption and governance failures. Dubbed the “Gen Z protests,” the movement gained momentum through social media, despite government attempts to curb online activity with a ban. Protesters defied curfews, clashed with police, and even set fire to significant government buildings, including the parliament, as reported by multiple outlets like Al Jazeera and the BBC in their coverage at the time. The violent response from authorities, including the deployment of security forces, drew international condemnation and intensified domestic calls for accountability.
The unrest not only forced Oli’s resignation but also marked a turning point in Nepal’s political landscape, highlighting the power of youth mobilization in a country long plagued by political instability. Oli, a veteran politician and leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), had faced criticism for his handling of dissent during his tenure, and the September events became a defining moment of his leadership’s collapse.
Public Sentiment and Ongoing Developments
Public sentiment in Nepal remains deeply divided over Oli’s role in the crackdown. While some view him as a leader who attempted to maintain order during a chaotic period, others hold him directly responsible for the loss of life and the suppression of democratic expression. Posts on X reflect this ongoing debate, with recent updates from verified accounts like WION and New Straits Times confirming Oli’s interaction with the commission and emphasizing the gravity of the investigation into the use of force.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nepal is also reportedly involved in documenting statements related to the crackdown, adding another layer of scrutiny to the events of last September. As the investigation unfolds, many Nepalis are watching closely to see if it will lead to concrete actions or legal repercussions for those found responsible.
Outlook: A Nation Seeking Closure
The questioning of KP Sharma Oli is a pivotal moment in Nepal’s journey toward reckoning with the violent suppression of the Gen Z protests. With the death toll and the destruction of public institutions still fresh in the national memory, the commission’s findings could shape the future of political accountability in the country. For now, the interim government faces the dual challenge of rebuilding trust with its citizens while ensuring justice for the victims of the September unrest.
As the probe continues, the eyes of Nepal—and the international community—remain on Kathmandu, where the quest for answers and healing is far from over.
