Independent lawmaker Mahabir Pun has said former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli should acknowledge mistakes made during the Gen-Z movement and issue a public apology.
Speaking to journalists at the Federal Parliament premises on Tuesday, Pun stressed that leadership carries responsibility, even when direct orders may not have been given. His remarks come amid ongoing discussions about accountability surrounding the Mahabir Pun Gen-Z movement issue.
Pun stated that while it may be argued that neither Oli nor former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak explicitly ordered the use of force, they still held the highest positions of authority at the time. According to him, this alone makes them morally accountable for what occurred under their leadership.
He emphasized that leaders must take ownership of actions carried out by those working under them. “Even if they did not personally give the order to open fire, they were in charge. A leader cannot simply claim ignorance and avoid responsibility,” Pun said, adding that acknowledging mistakes demonstrates accountability rather than weakness.
Pun further argued that apologizing does not diminish a leader’s stature. Instead, he described it as a sign of integrity and responsibility. He maintained that when errors occur within an administration, those at the top must be willing to admit them and seek forgiveness where necessary.
Government Must Address Parliamentary Concerns
In a separate context, Pun also highlighted the importance of government responsiveness to parliamentary concerns. He said that addressing the demands raised by lawmakers is essential for ensuring smooth governance and maintaining public trust in democratic institutions.
Pun’s remarks have added to growing calls for accountability, with the Mahabir Pun Gen-Z movement debate likely to remain a sensitive political issue in Nepal’s evolving democratic landscape.
