Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal Says Escaped Inmates, Stolen Weapons No Longer Security Threat After Gen Z Protest

Kathmandu — Nepal’s Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal said inmates who escaped from prison and weapons that were looted during the Gen Z protest on Bhadra 24 are no longer considered a security threat.

Speaking in an interview with the National News Agency (Rastriya Samachar Samiti – RSS), Aryal said the situation has been brought under control and does not pose a risk to national security.

He said security agencies intensified operations following the incident. According to the minister, most of the escaped inmates have been taken back into custody, and the majority of the stolen weapons have been recovered.

“The instability seen at that time no longer exists. Most of the individuals who fled have been apprehended, and the stolen weapons have been retrieved,” Aryal said.

He added that efforts are ongoing to locate and return the remaining escapees to prison. Police and other relevant authorities are working in coordination, he said, expressing confidence that those still at large will be brought under legal custody.

“There has been no confirmed information indicating that those who escaped have committed further crimes or used the stolen weapons. Therefore, there is no basis to consider this a security risk in the context of the upcoming elections,” Aryal said.

The home minister said the government has initiated necessary preparations to ensure the upcoming elections are conducted in a peaceful and secure environment. Security agencies remain on alert, and plans are being implemented with potential risks in mind.

Addressing concerns following the Gen Z protest, Aryal said there is no need for the public to maintain security-related fears at this time.