Still on the run are 5,000 prisoners; a task-force has been formed to search for them

Kathmandu – The Ministry of Home Affairs has reported that of the prisoners who escaped during the 23–24 Bhadra Gen Z Movement on 24 Bhadra, 5,013 remain at large. The information was given by Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal in a meeting of the Federalism Strengthening and National Concerns Committee under the National Assembly, held at Singha Durbar on Thursday.

According to him, of the 14,554 prisoners who escaped during the movement, 9,441 have been brought back. He said that the Nepal Police is conducting a special operation nationwide to arrest the escaped inmates.

He further added that the list of escaped prisoners has been made public and correspondence has been sent to all public agencies instructing that if any of these individuals attempt to receive services, they should be denied. He said that for the search operations, task-forces have been formed in all district administration offices under the coordination of the Assistant Chief District Officers, and special security-level operations are ongoing. He stated that the escaped prisoners and the seized weapons are being regarded as major security challenges, and the government is moving forward seriously to overcome these challenges and ensure that the upcoming election is held in a clean, fair and fear-free environment.

“Of the 14,554 inmates who escaped in the events of Bhadra 23–24, up to now 9,441 have been returned. At present, 5,013 remain to be arrested. We had repeatedly issued notices to them. The list of escaped inmates has been made public. All agencies have been notified to not provide services to them if they present themselves,” he said. “Task-forces have been formed in all district administration offices under the coordination of the Assistant Chief District Officers for intensified searching. Special operations are being carried out through security agencies as well. The escaped prisoners and looted weapons are being taken as major security challenges, and the government is committed to move ahead in a serious manner. We are confident that the election will be held in a clean, fair and safe environment. Public cooperation from everyone is essential.”

He also said that injured persons from the Gen Z movement have been provided free treatment along with identity cards. He added that the government has also begun the necessary groundwork for granting voting rights to Nepali citizens residing abroad.