Prime Minister Sushila Karki has vowed that those involved in violence and destruction during the Gen Z movement will face “strong legal action”.

At least 74 people lost their lives and several vital state institutions such as buildings inside Singha Durbar, parliament, and the Supreme Court, among others, were burnt during the unrest on September 9. The Gen Z protest that began with peaceful demonstrations on September 8 turned violent after 19 protesters were killed in police firing on the same day.

Also, businesses, media houses, houses of politicians and other individuals were vandalised or set on fire during the protests.

As the violence spiralled out of control on the next day, the then KP Oli-led government was widely condemned for using excessive force on the peaceful protesters, while the authorities blamed it for infiltrations.

Delivering her first address to the nation on Thursday, the head of the interim government assured citizens that Nepal will hold free, fearless and independent elections on March 5, urging all political parties to begin their preparations.

Karki said her government was formed by bringing together “respected figures of society” under the mandate granted by the Gen Z uprising. “The people demanded an end to corruption, good governance and development,” she said. “This government will act in line with those expectations.”

The prime minister also reminded the public that she had accepted the post on the condition that elections be conducted within six months. She promised attention to both public and private properties damaged during the protests, with reconstruction already in motion.

Karki announced that those who lost their lives in the protests would be declared martyrs and that their families would receive financial relief, while the injured would be guaranteed free medical treatment.

She added that the government had already started discussions on budget, security and legal matters to ensure elections take place on time.