Following recent Gen Z protests in Nepal, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Devraj Ghimire, and the chairperson of the National Assembly, Narayan Prasad Dahal, have released a joint statement condemning the violence and destruction witnessed during the protests.
The demonstrations left the country shocked with loss of life and destruction of public property. The leaders sent condolences to the families of the youth protesters who were killed, as well as to law enforcement officers who were killed while carrying out their work.
They also wished a speedy recovery to those injured and called on the state to make sure that medical attention and support are in place.
The statement mentioned the mass destruction inflicted during the protest. Vandalism and fire were seen at the Federal Parliament complex in Baneshwor, the Parliament Secretariat in Singha Durbar, and various government offices.
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Residential and business premises, media outlets, and even historical records were burned. The joint statement called these acts of arson and destruction a “deep national loss”.
Dahal and Ghimire stressed that, even in challenging times, Nepal should preserve its sovereignty, freedom of citizens, territorial integrity, national unity, and independence.
The parliamentary leaders emphasized that no individual would try to undermine the rule of law or the Constitution. They appealed to all the parties to continue to engage in dialogue through legal and democratic channels. The statement further appealed for addressing the grievances of the protesting crowds in a manner that protects democracy and promotes progress, stability, and prosperity.
The joint statement arrives at the time when the appointment of an incoming interim Prime Minister is on the agenda, and the nation is facing political instability as well as public unrest.