Former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli marked Constitution Day on Friday with a warning of a “major attack” on the nation’s sovereignty and an appeal for unity to protect the charter.
In a Facebook post, Oli wrote: “Today is Constitution Day. The day the constitution was made, by the constitution that was elected by the Nepalese people after struggling for 70 years. The day when the democratic republic, a federal inclusive system and the rights of the people were established."
He also questioned the use of automatic weapons during the September 8 Gen Z protests, which left at least 19 people dead on the first day. “Infiltration took place during the Gen Z demonstration that was supposed to be peaceful last week. Conspirators who infiltrated it created violence, killing our youth. The incident of shooting with automatic weapons that are not with the police should be investigated," Oli said.
Extending sympathies, he added: “I am once again extending condolences to the deceased youth and pray for the recovery of those injured."
Detailing the scale of destruction, Oli said: “We are under a major attack on our Constitution at this time. Singha Durbar is burnt, Nepal’s map is burnt, trying to erase the country’s sign. People’s representative organisation, court, business establishment and political parties’ offices, homes of their leaders and workers, personal property selection has been made to ashes."
Calling for solidarity, he declared: “We all generations of Nepalese must unite, to face the attack on sovereignty and protect our constitution. If sovereignty is our existence, the constitution is the shield of our freedom. Only our unity can raise and save the country again from this unimaginable crisis that arises against the country."
Oli, who resigned on September 9 amid widespread anger over his handling of the crisis, reiterated that his government had not directed security forces to open fire on demonstrators.
His remarks came a week after 73-year-old Sushila Karki was sworn in as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister, becoming the first woman to hold the position.
Oli’s resignation followed violent protests in which hundreds of demonstrators stormed his office after at least 19 people were killed during police action on September 8. The unrest, fueled by allegations of corruption and a social media ban, continued into the next day. In total, 72 people, including three policemen, lost their lives.
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