Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Sunday said that the arson and vandalism that occurred during the Gen Z protest last week were criminal acts against the country.

Karki, who assumed office earlier in the day after being appointed interim prime minister on Friday, announced relief for victims of the protests and pledged to hold elections as part of her government’s roadmap.

Speaking from the prime minister’s office at Singha Durbar after taking charge, Karki said the criminal acts must be investigated and the truth made public, with those responsible brought to justice.

She stressed the need for collective commitment to steer the country in the right direction.

“I have never seen such a transformation in just about 27 hours of protests. To meet this group’s demands, we must all work with determination. I did not come here out of desire; I took on this responsibility after you all urged me to step in,” she said. “Looking at what happened in the name of protests, it seems as if it was executed in a planned way, raising questions of a conspiracy.”

Karki said the government would investigate the vandalism targeting Singha Durbar, Parliament building, Supreme Court, business complexes, and private property.

She also underlined the need for everyone to move forward with a positive mindset to lift the country’s economy.