General Secretaries of the Nepali Congress Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma have urged that a new political structure be created without leading to a prolonged constitutional vacuum or void.
In a public statement released on Wednesday, they said, "We urge that the current initiative be brought to a conclusion in accordance with the spirit of the Gen Z. In doing so, we want to remind everyone that decisions made based on the 'doctrine of necessity' can and must follow a constitutional and legitimate path."
"A lack of legal process leads to further anarchy. Therefore, during the talks, we urge the President (Ram Chandra Paudel) and the Gen Z party—in building a new political structure to govern the country and hold elections—that every possible legitimate measure be adopted to prevent a prolonged constitutional vacuum and void. A roadmap to end this chaos should be sought through the Constitution and a democratic path. That will have our support," they said.
They continued, "Retreating from the level of representation, justice, and inclusiveness that we had achieved for the common citizens is an invitation to more series of such movements and rebellions. Therefore, our entire effort will now be focused on ensuring that the achievements won by sovereign citizens with their lives and sacrifices in previous movements, just like now, are not reversed, and that the country does not regress from the 2015 Constitution. We are firmly clear on the belief that change must always lead to progress."
The two also stated that they are seriously self-reflecting on the rise of chaos and corruption because the individuals and parties who came to power after the establishment of a federal democratic republic failed to work according to public expectations.
"We are self-critical that our efforts to hold the government accountable were incomplete, that we were unable to intervene adequately, and that we failed to understand the rhythm and desires of the new generation in time. However, in this changed situation, we pledge to rebuild the Nepali Congress party from the ground up, in accordance with the aspirations and expectations of the youth," their statement said.
"We are confident that anger, excitement, and vengeance are fleeting emotions that come and go during such turmoil, and that the Nepali Congress will now emerge as a stronger and more accountable party by integrating the expectations of the general public, the spirit of Gen Z youth, and the opinions of other different generations."
The two general secretaries welcomed the initiative of President Paudel to resolve this difficult situation through dialogue and negotiation and urged all parties to consult and find a solution through discussion.
They also appealed for support from all levels—including the general public, civil society, the media, and the international community—for the efforts that all security agencies, including the Nepal Army, are making to maintain peace and security, as well as the dialogue process.
They also emphasized that a high-level commission should conduct a thorough investigation into the serious crimes committed due to excessive use of force during Monday's protest, and the culprits should be brought to justice.
"It is necessary to acknowledge the fact that the situation became more volatile and uncontrolled when the prime minister delayed accepting our requests and pressure to unblock social media and resign. Despite our repeated requests, the situation was ignored. Political leadership must be able to correctly assess the situation or accept correct advice from others in a timely manner. The entire country of Nepal and all Nepalis worldwide are stunned and deeply saddened by the human casualties that occurred due to the prime minister's delay in accepting this reality," they said.
The statement said, "The Gen Z's declaration to pressure for their demands through peaceful protest was absolutely justified. However, we believe that the declaration to destroy the country's historical heritage and infrastructure worth billions and democratic institutions, and to destroy public property by torching Singha Durbar, Shital Niwas, Parliament House, and the Supreme Court, was not from the Gen Z and was not their demand."
"The arson at numerous government offices, media houses, and commercial establishments is extremely sad and reprehensible. We believe that those who intentionally entered the protesting crowd, acting outside the sentiments and declarations of Gen Z, carried out this destruction in a planned manner. We strongly condemn the infiltration, violence, murder, and planned arson carried out by various interest groups in the spontaneous protests of the Gen Z youth. The next government must investigate this entire nationwide destruction and create a plan for reconstruction as soon as possible."
They also stated that following the events of September 8 and 9, all parties must act with restraint and unity to move the country toward peace and reconstruction.
