Kathmandu —Former Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah has criticized the government’s response to the Gen Z protests held on Bhadra 23 and 24, describing the use of force as excessive and a contributing factor to escalating tensions.
Statement to Investigation Commission
In a statement to an investigation commission led by former Chief Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki, Shah said the rally on Bhadra 23 was peaceful and clarified that while he supported the demonstration, he was not directly involved in the protests.
He said the Kathmandu Metropolitan Police distributed water to participants following requests from local business owners and restaurant operators. He added that he became aware of the deteriorating situation later in the evening through media reports and subsequently called for restraint through social media.
According to Shah, his public appeal helped ease tensions. He also said that after the incidents, the metropolitan office coordinated with relevant agencies to provide immediate assistance to the families of those injured and killed.
Response, Responsibility and Clarification
Describing the events of Bhadra 24 as tragic, Shah said they could be linked to the government’s heavy use of force the previous day. He noted that the metropolitan city deployed fire services in a timely manner to control damage within its jurisdiction and protect infrastructure.
Shah also stated that he was urged by the President and the Army Chief to help de-escalate the situation and maintained that responsibility for the damage should be taken by the then government and the parties involved.
Addressing a separate controversy, Shah clarified that a social media post related to a dispute over waste transportation was metaphorical in nature and did not contain any call to violence. The investigation commission has submitted its report to the government, but it has not yet been made public.
