The president told the Gen-G protesters, "I am ready to be martyred to protect the Constitution"

President Ramchandra Poudel has recounted the conversation he had with the Janajati protesters during a meeting with civil leaders. In the meeting held at Sheetal Niwas on Thursday, President Poudel mentioned that he did not agree to dissolve the parliament to form an interim government.

'There was a demand to appoint the Prime Minister by dissolving the representative assembly of the movement's power. I said I do not have this authority, I cannot do that. I also have a role in bringing this constitution. I will not go outside the constitution. I am ready to be a martyr for the protection of the constitution,' said senior advocate Tika Ram Bhattrai, quoting the President to Setopati.

Former ambassador to China Mahesh Maske, human rights activist Mall Ke Sundar, and civil leaders visited President Paudel at Shital Niwas on Thursday.President Paudel had not agreed to dissolve the House of Representatives before forming an interim government on September 13.He had only dissolved the House of Representatives on the recommendation of Prime Minister Sushila Karki. Meanwhile, the protesters were demanding the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the formation of an interim government.

In the meeting, the civic leaders stated that the President should be aware of 'not causing further damage to the constitution.' They suggested to the President that 'the role of political parties should not be undermined and acts of revenge should not be carried out.' 'We said that we will cooperate in the investigation of corruption and damages to public goods; however, it is difficult to hold elections without the support of the parties while maintaining a multiparty system and the constitution. For timely elections, we urged the President to hold elections by taking the government and parties into confidence.'

During the meeting, President Poudel stated that 'the constitution has been somewhat undermined in uncomfortable circumstances.' Although the formation of the government should be according to Article 76, the interim government led by Sushila Karki was formed according to Article 61. 'Now we will focus on the elections. The President will not do anything against the constitution,' Bhattarai said, 'the government should also not act contrary to that.' President Poudel praised the role of the security agencies, Bhattarai noted.

‘The security agencies were also in a difficult situation. You played a good role. I was in continuous contact and dialogue,’ Bhattarai quoted the president as saying, ‘I also contacted the political parties and the Prime Minister (KP Sharma Oli).’President Paudel also mentioned that he had made phone contact with Sher Bahadur Deuba, who was injured in the attack by the Gen-Z protesters.‘Prachanda and Madhav Nepal came here. I contacted Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli,’ Bhattarai quoted the president as saying, ‘The Prime Minister also helped for a constitutional exit.’After the Gen-Z movement that took place on 23rd and 24th of Bhadra, the government led by KP Sharma Oli collapsed.