Om Prakash Aryal vows free elections, probes protest deaths — Day 2
BCANP Day 2 Wrap
Om Prakash Aryal vows free elections, probes protest deaths
BCANP News Desk
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Kathmandu, Nepal
On his second day as Nepal’s Home and Law Minister, Om Prakash Aryal pledged to hold free and timely elections on March 5, 2026. He also announced that the government will open an inquiry into the 72 deaths during the Gen Z protests earlier this month, promising accountability for excessive use of force by security agencies. (Shillong Times)
Timeline (Sept 16, 2025)
- Morning statement: Aryal confirmed elections will be held on March 5, 2026, as scheduled.
- Protest deaths probe: He announced an investigation into the killings of 72 protesters, citing the need for accountability and human-rights compliance.
- Portfolios reaffirmed: Aryal continues to oversee both the Home Ministry and Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs, consolidating security and legal oversight.
Decisions & Quotes
- On elections: “The government is committed to holding free, fair, and timely elections on March 5,” Aryal said in a press briefing. (Shillong Times)
- On protests: He promised an inquiry into alleged abuses by security forces, saying protesters’ rights would be respected going forward.
Why it matters
This is the first formal commitment from the interim government to investigate security-force actions during the protests that toppled the previous administration. The pledge balances urgent calls for justice with the need to prepare credible elections by March.
Background
Aryal, a human-rights lawyer, joined the interim cabinet on Sept 15 alongside Rameshwor Khanal (Finance) and Kulman Ghising (Energy/Infrastructure). The cabinet was appointed by PM Sushila Karki after mass youth-led protests left 72 dead and thousands injured nationwide.
What’s next
- Formation of an independent or parliamentary commission to probe protest deaths — details pending.
- Security planning for March elections to be coordinated with the Election Commission.
- Legal and policing directives expected from Aryal’s dual portfolios in coming days.
