Nepal PM Sushila Karki declares protesters killed in unrest will be honoured as martyrs
Kathmandu (The Uttam Hindu): Nepal's interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki formally assumed office on Sunday. As soon as she assumed office, she announced the status of 'martyr' to those killed during the Gen-G movement and compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to their dependents.
President Ramchandra Paudel on Friday swore in former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country's interim prime minister following protests against corruption and the decision to ban social media. Sushila Karki took charge two days after being sworn in. She began her term by paying homage at the Shahid Smarak in Lainchaur on Sunday morning, after which she visited Singha Durbar. She began performing her official duties from the Home Ministry building as the main complex was damaged by violent protests and arson last Tuesday. The Prime Minister's Office was then shifted there.
Soon after taking charge, Prime Minister Sushila Karki provided immediate relief to the victims of the violent protests in Nepal. Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal has said that those killed during the protests will be considered 'martyrs' and their families will be given financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each. The government has announced medical treatment for 134 injured protesters and 57 injured policemen, reports the Kathmandu Post. Ministries have been directed to prepare a report detailing the damage caused during the protests, reports The Himalayan Times. According to local media reports, 72 people have lost their lives in the protests in Nepal, including 59 protesters, 10 prisoners and three police officers. President Paudel addressed the nation on Saturday. He urged all parties to cooperate in ensuring the successful conduct of the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5 next year. His remarks came amid growing criticism from major political parties after the lower house was dissolved at midnight on Friday.
The move is widely seen as one of the key demands of the Zen-Ji movement. The protesters said that the current parliament is mired in corruption and incapable of carrying out real reforms. The lower house was dissolved following Karki's recommendation. President Paudel called it a necessary step to protect the constitution, parliamentary system and the federal democratic republic of Nepal.