BUTWAL, Oct 26: Acting President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal has stressed the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the violent incidents that took place during the GenZ movement on September 8 and 9, saying that those responsible must be held legally accountable.
At a press conference in Bhairahawa on Sunday, Aryal said that while the peaceful demonstrations by young Nepalis demanding good governance and an end to corruption were legitimate, the violence that followed could not be excused. “The government opened fire on school students who were peacefully protesting on September 8. Then, on September 9, there were acts of arson and vandalism targeting private and national infrastructure. Both incidents are serious crimes, and those involved must face the law,” he said.
Nakkhu prison calls everyone including Rabi Lamichhane to surre...
Aryal noted that the interim government’s investigation commission is already looking into the events but stressed that a stronger and higher-level commission should be formed if necessary to ensure the full truth is revealed. He clarified that while the RSP had institutionally supported the youth-led GenZ protest on September 8, the party had no involvement in the violent incidents that erupted the following day.
Aryal also assured that if any RSP leaders or cadres are found to have participated in acts of destruction, the party will take disciplinary action against them.
Turning to another matter, Aryal addressed media reports linking him and other RSP leaders to the Nakkhu Prison incident. He said his team had gone to the prison only because the authorities had raised concerns about the safety of Party President Rabi Lamichhane, who was then in custody. “We were asked by the prison administration and senior state officials to go to Nakkhu because there were fears that the party president might be unsafe,” Aryal explained. “If going there was a mistake or a violation, I am ready to face action.”
Aryal dismissed recent media claims suggesting that an internal deal had been reached to bring new figures into the RSP or to appoint someone else as party president. “There are internal discussions about working with individuals and alternative political forces who share our vision for change,” he said. “But the reports saying we’ve already agreed on names or leadership changes are completely false.”
On the broader political front, Aryal reiterated that elections are the only democratic way forward and must be held on March 5, 2026 as scheduled. He said the party has already begun election preparations, with Vice-President Dr Swarnim Wagle leading the drafting of the party’s manifesto, and that the RSP will announce its election-focused programs on October 31. “If the government fails to hold elections on time, the entire nation could face a political vacuum,” Aryal warned. “Elections are the only way to steer the country in the right direction.”
