Kathmandu: Two days after the anti-corruption demonstration led by Nepal Gen Z, initially told to be peaceful, spiraled out of control into mob violence resulting in arson attacks and vandalism in multiple government buildings, including Singha Durbar, chief secretariat of the government of Nepal, the capital city is struggling to restore peace.
Gen Z demonstrators on Tuesday set the Supreme Court, Special Court, and Kathmandu District Courts on fire. According to Nirajan Pandey, Assistant Spokesperson for the Supreme Court, the demonstrators carried out arson and vandalism at the courts. The mob also vandalized and set the Office of the Auditor General on fire. They reportedly took out documents from the Special and District Courts before the incidents.
The Nepal Police has appealed to all Nepalis for their support and cooperation to establish the rule of law, and requested for the welfare of the State. Issuing a press note on Tuesday night, the Nepal Police said it was aggrieved with incidents occurred during the peaceful protest organized at a call of GenZ on Monday. “At such hour of grief, all police persons and Nepali brothers and sisters should be committed to the nation, national security and welfare by reducing crimes,” the statement read. The statement issued by the secretariat of the Inspector General of Nepal Police further reminded that an irreparable loss was caused during the protest and the Nepal Police was for peaceful collaboration with citizens to prevent further worsening. Restoration of public peace, and law and order is essential for the rescue and treatment of the injured ones and prevention of further loss and damage, the police added, seeking public support at such hour of grief.
Meanwhile, the Nepali Army (NA), mobilized on the ground since Tuesday night, arrested 21 persons involved in looting spree in different parts of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur districts. They were involved in the wrongdoing, taking advantage of the adverse situation, NA said. The Public Relations and Information Directorate of the Nepali Army said 21 persons were held while they looting properties at Bouddha area and Hotel Hyatt of Kathmandu, and at Bhatbhateni Supermarket of Radheradhe, Bhaktapur. Similarly, five others were held for their involvement in the heist at Rastriya Banijya Bank at New Baneshwor.
The Nepali Army, along with other security agencies, is working actively round-the-clock for the peace and security in Kathmandu valley and across the country. It has urged all Nepali citizens to stay aware and vigilant against untoward activities. Issuing a notice, the NA Public Relations and Information Directorate has requested one and all to exchange the information on any untoward incidents, thereby keeping the neighbourhood safe. If any unruly elements are found in loot, arson and damages, challenging security and unleashing violence, the people are requested to send information at 986302929. Moreover, the Directorate said some unruly elements had spread misleading and exaggerated posts on social networks, creating panic.
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