Nepal, Dec. 29 -- Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has submitted a written statement to the probe commission investigating the incidents of September 8 and 9, stating that he never ordered the use of force during the protests.

Appearing before the probe commission at Singha Durbar on Monday, Lekhak presented his account of the events and clarified his role during the unrest. In his written response, he claimed that he had explicitly instructed security agencies to avoid casualties.

He said that during the Central Security Committee meeting held on September 7, he gave three clear directions: to ensure no loss of life, to maintain law and order through coordination, and to remain alert against possible infiltration during the protests....