Kathmandu, 10 December (H.S.):

Nepal’s Judicial Inquiry Commission, investigating the alleged excessive use of force during the ‘Jain Ji Movement,’ is preparing to order the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak after they failed to appear for questioning.With only two weeks left before the commission’s tenure expires, the inquiry is yet to complete its final round of testimonies.

Having already recorded statements from security personnel and administrative officers involved in the incident, the commission has now moved to summon senior political figures.

According to commission spokesperson Vigyan Raj Sharma, statements from nearly 150 individuals have been collected so far. However, testimonies from former Prime Minister Oli, former Home Minister Lekhak, former Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, former Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel, and Nepal Police Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki are still pending.

Acting on the commission’s recommendation, authorities have already imposed a travel ban on Oli and Lekhak, restricting them from leaving the country or traveling outside Kathmandu without permission. Oli, however, has publicly declared that he will not cooperate, labeling the commission “unconstitutional.”

Spokesperson Sharma asserted that there should be no doubts about the commission’s resolve to obtain the required statements. “If they do not appear voluntarily, legal proceedings will follow.

The commission will formally request the government to ensure their appearance through lawful means,” he said.

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal confirmed that the government would comply with the commission’s recommendation if a formal request is made. “The law applies equally to everyone. We expect cooperation, but if they refuse, the law will take its course,” he stated.

Sharma added that the travel restrictions were mandated precisely because their testimonies are considered essential to the probe. The commission has also decided to expedite the remaining examination process, noting that several top officials — including the Chief Secretary, Secretary-General of Parliament, and security agency heads — have already recorded their statements.

Meanwhile, CPN-UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali reiterated his party’s stance, declaring the commission “invalid” and rejecting the summons. “Since the commission itself lacks legitimacy, there is no question of our leader appearing before it. We have already raised serious doubts about its fairness and declared it unacceptable,” Gyawali said.

On Tuesday, the commission recorded testimony from Armed Police Force Inspector General Raju Aryal, who may be called again if required. Earlier, the panel had also indicated the possibility of recalling former Police Chief Chandra Kuber Khapung for further questioning.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar