Nepal, Oct. 7 -- The much-debated September 8-9 Gen Z protest, which shook the nation with scenes of fire, vandalism and tragic loss of life, has taken a new turn. The Gauri Bahadur Karki-led commission, tasked with probing the violence and arson, has clarified that government authorities need not wait for its final report to act against those accused of criminal offenses.

In a public statement, commission member Bigyanraj Sharma said the law already empowers police and other state agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes committed during the protests. "Anyone involved in criminal offenses could be investigated and taken action against by government authorities. There is no need to wait for the commission's report," Sharma explained....