BBC Investigation Alleges Order to Open Fire During Gen Z Protest

An investigation by the BBC World Service has claimed that an order was given to use lethal force against thousands of unarmed youths during a Gen Z protest held in Kathmandu on September 8 last year.

According to the report, internal police documents mention that an individual using the call sign “Peter 1” instructed officers to “use necessary force” just minutes after a curfew was imposed. Sources cited in the investigation state that the call sign was used by then Inspector General of Police Chandra Kuber Khapung. While Khapung did not explicitly deny issuing the order, police have maintained that actions were taken legally and with approval from the government security committee.

A total of 19 people were killed in the incident, including 17-year-old student Shreeyam Chaulagain. The BBC reported that video evidence showed him unarmed and attempting to leave the area when he was shot.

The incident sparked nationwide protests, and the following day then Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli resigned from office. Subsequent violence led to further casualties and property damage.

A public investigation into the event is ongoing, and so far no one has been officially held accountable. Victims’ families continue to demand justice.