"Those who infiltrated the protests instigated the violence, leading to the tragic loss of many young lives," former Nepal prime minister KP Sharma Oli wrote on Facebook yesterday. "The government did not order the targeting of protesters or the use of firearms."

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Kathmandu on 29/8. Photo: AFP

This was Oli's first public statement since resigning on 9/9. The protests initially erupted over a government ban on social media but escalated into violence as people expressed anger over corruption and persistent economic problems.

At least 19 people died when crowds clashed with security forces on the first day of protests, 8/9. In total, the unrest left 73 dead and about 2,000 injured.

Crowds looted government offices, burned a newly opened Hilton hotel, and attacked other symbols of power, including Oli’s residence, as anger spread across towns and cities.

Some images showed protesters brandishing automatic rifles on the second day of the riots. "There needs to be an investigation into the use of these automatic weapons, which the police do not possess," Oli said. "I will not say much about the conspiracy behind this; time will tell."

Oli has not appeared in public since his resignation. Allies say he is under military protection. His successor, interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, the former chief justice of the Supreme Court, is tasked with restoring order and addressing protesters' demands for a corruption-free future before elections in 6 months.

Vu Hoang (AFP)