KATHMANDU: Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has denied allegations that orders were given to use force during the Gen Z movement.

Lekhak, who resigned from his ministerial post after the violent protests claimed 19 lives, commented on the matter one month later.

Lekhak made the remarks while attending a meeting on Friday that included office-bearers and former office-bearers of the Nepali Congress.

He stated, “It is not true that the then-Prime Minister or the Home Minister ordered the use of force.”

He clarified that no such orders were issued and that the government was not opposed to the demands of the Gen Z movement.

While acknowledging that the movement’s demands were legitimate, Lekhak noted that chaos erupted when the protests turned violent.

Paying tribute to those who lost their lives during the movement, he wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

He also emphasized that the demands raised by the Gen Z movement are valid and should be addressed through a common understanding among the major political parties of the Nepali Congress.