Nepal to apologise to ‘untouchable’ Dalits for first time

Nepal's government, led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, announced it will formally apologize to the Dalit community for historical injustices and discrimination. This marks the first time the Nepalese state has acknowledged the systemic mistreatment of Dalits, who have historically been considered "untouchable" and faced exclusion from basic resources like water. The apology is part of a broader 100-day governance overhaul action plan. Within two weeks, the government plans to introduce a reform program aimed at inclusive rehabilitation, historical reconciliation, and social justice for the Dalit community. The initiative seeks to address the long-standing inequalities faced by Dalits in Nepalese society.

Former Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and ex-Home Affairs Minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested on Saturday for their alleged involvement in a deadly crackdown on anti-corruption protesters in September 2025. The arrests, confirmed by Kathmandu Valley police, occurred a day after the new Prime Minister Balendra Shah was sworn in following elections. Oli was taken into custody from his residence in Bhaktapur, while Lekhak was detained from another area of the same city. The new Home Minister, Sudan Gurung, stated the arrests mark "the beginning of justice" following the uprising that resulted in at least 77 deaths, including 19 young people on the first day. The 2025 protests, triggered by a social media ban, escalated due to widespread anger over economic hardship and led to the collapse of Oli's government.

Nepal's former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested on Saturday for their alleged involvement in a deadly crackdown on protesters in September. The arrests occurred a day after the swearing-in of Prime Minister Balendra Shah following the first election since the uprising that ousted Oli's government. The detentions are related to an inquiry commission's findings that at least 76 people died during anti-corruption protests on September 8 and 9. The protests, initially triggered by a social media ban, escalated due to economic hardship, leading to widespread unrest and the collapse of Oli's government. Police have stated that legal proceedings will follow.

Nepal police arrested former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli and a former home minister on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Kathmandu. The arrests are related to deaths that occurred during protests in September of an unspecified year. Oli was taken for a medical checkup following his arrest. The article includes file photos of Oli during his time as Prime Minister and in other political events. The specific charges and further details about the protest deaths were not provided in the available text.

Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician, was sworn in as Nepal's prime minister on Friday. Shah and his Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) won the election after campaigning on a platform of youth-driven political change. The election was the first since anti-corruption protests, fueled by economic hardship, toppled the previous government last year. Shah took his oath of office, pledging loyalty to the constitution, and released his first public statement since winning the March 5 elections in the form of a rap song. The anti-corruption uprising that preceded the election resulted in at least 77 deaths.

Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician, was sworn in as Nepal's prime minister on Friday after his Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured a landslide victory in the March 5 election. The RSP, formed three years ago, won 182 seats in the 275-member parliament following anti-corruption protests led by young people that toppled the previous government in September. Shah, formerly the mayor of Kathmandu, is the first Madhesi premier of Nepal. Prior to his swearing-in, Shah released a rap song about unity, titled "Jay Mahakaali," which garnered nearly three million views. The election marks a significant shift in Nepalese politics, driven by Gen Z's desire for change.

Balendra Shah, a former rapper, has been sworn in as Nepal's prime minister after his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), achieved a decisive victory in recent general elections. The 35-year-old's rise to power marks a significant shift in Nepali politics, fueled by widespread discontent with corruption and traditional elite rule. Shah gained prominence in Nepal's underground rap scene, using his music to address social issues and criticize corruption. After serving as mayor of Kathmandu, he joined the RSP and successfully campaigned on promises of change, resonating with a youth-led electorate. While his supporters view him as a symbol of progress, questions remain about the RSP's ability to deliver on its ambitious pledges.

A high-level probe in Nepal has found former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and other senior officials responsible for criminal negligence in the deadly youth uprising last year, which resulted in 76 deaths. The report, leaked to local media two weeks after submission to the interim government, recommends investigation and prosecution of Oli, his home minister, and the former Inspector General of Police for their "negligent and careless conduct." The probe suggests prison sentences of up to 10 years for the officials, citing a deliberate violation of duty and failure to stop the use of lethal force. The uprising, sparked by a government social media ban on September 8, led to widespread riots and arson, causing significant damage. The leak has triggered criticism amid calls for the government to officially release the full report as Nepal prepares to swear in a new government.