Nepal probe panel lifts travel ban on ex-PM Oli

Kathmandu, Jan 6: The inquiry commission investigating the deadly Gen-Z movement in Nepal has lifted the travel ban on former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, allowing him to leave the Kathmandu Valley and travel abroad.
The decision came after Oli cooperated with the commission and provided his statement regarding incidents during the protests on September 8–9, 2025. Previously, he had questioned the commission’s neutrality and refused to appear, accusing its chair, Gauri Bahadur Karki, of bias.
The travel restrictions had also applied to former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, former Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, former Chief of the National Investigation Department Hutaraj Thapa, and former Kathmandu Chief District Officer Chhabi Rijal.
These restrictions were imposed while the commission probed the violent suppression of youth protests, during which 77 people were killed and public and private property worth over NPR 84 billion was damaged.
With Oli’s testimony now recorded, the commission said the inquiry work related to the events had been completed, removing the justification for restricting his movement.
Last week, Lekhak testified that he did not issue any orders to open fire on protesters. Statements from other senior security and administrative officials have already been collected.
The Gen-Z protests, which led to widespread violence and political upheaval, have contributed to changes in Nepal’s political landscape.
The interim government, led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, is now focused on organizing elections for the House of Representatives scheduled for March 5, 2026.
Lifting the travel restrictions on Oli signals a step toward concluding the commission’s inquiry and allowing former leaders to resume normal activities while the country prepares for the upcoming elections.