Nepal to Investigate Killings and Arson in Student Protests

Nepal’s new prime minister formed a judicial commission on Sunday to investigate the killings of more than 70 people by the armed forces to quell a student uprising that erupted nearly two weeks ago.

The three-member commission, to be headed by a retired judge, will also investigate the arson and looting of public and private properties worth billions of dollars during the protests, which lasted two days earlier this month. It is expected to complete its work within three months.

Setting up the commission is the first step by Sushila Karki, who was appointed interim prime minister 10 days ago, to determine how student anti-corruption protests that started peacefully on the morning of Sept. 8 erupted in violence by that afternoon, as security forces opened fire on protesters. The following day, protesters set fire to many iconic government buildings in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and also burned down the homes of politicians.

Read more: New York Times