Karki’s first decision as Nepal PM: ‘Martyr’ status for slain protesters

KATHMANDU: Newly-appointed Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, 73, on Sunday formally assumed charge at the freshly-built home ministry office inside Singha Durbar.Soon after taking office, Karki announced her govt’s first set of decisions-declaring those killed in the September 8-9 protests as ‘martyrs’ and announcing an ex-gratia of 10 lakh Nepalese rupees to each of their families. In addition, funeral costs of those killed will be borne by the govt and free medical treatment provided to those injured in the protests, chief secretary Eknarayan Aryal said.Referring to the widespread arson and vandalism during the violent demonstrations, Karki, who became the first woman to hold the top post, described them as “criminal acts against the country” and promised a “thorough probe” to bring those responsible to justice. “Reconstruction and economic recovery will be a priority. We are in an economic crisis. We will discuss and work on the reconstruction,” she added.She also urged citizens to come together with a “positive mindset” to rebuild the economy, while stressing that the interim government would not operate beyond its six-month mandate. “My team and I are not here to taste power. We won’t stay for more than six months. We will hand over the responsibility to the new parliament. Our priority is to work dedicatedly to bring the situation back to normal and successfully hold the elections on March 5, 2026,” she said.Before assuming charge, Karki, who had earlier served as the first woman chief justice of Nepal, paid her respects at the Martyrs’ Memorial in Lainchaur. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Nepal resumed its services on Sunday.In another development, attorney general (AG) Ramesh Badal stepped down from his post, saying he had tendered his resignation after former PM K P Sharma Oli quit. Later on Sunday, Karki appointed Sabita Bhandari Baral as the new AG. She also became the first woman to hold the post.