Kathmandu: The country’s main administrative center, Singhadurbar, has been severely damaged following attacks and arson by protesters. The unrest, which has spread to various parts of the country including the Kathmandu Valley, saw significant destruction of critical government buildings.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the chaos erupted after a demonstration organized by the Gen-Z group in Kathmandu and other areas on Monday. The violence resulted in the burning of key buildings housing the executive, legislature, and judiciary branches. The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office building located in Singhadurbar, the Supreme Court in Ramshahpath, and the Federal Parliament in Naya Baneshwor were all set ablaze during the riots.
Additionally, the protesters targeted the Attorney General’s Office and the Traffic Office in Ramshah Path, setting them on fire. Residences of prominent political figures, including CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (Maoist Center) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, and former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, were also attacked. Homes of UML leaders such as Gokul Baskota, Mahesh Basnet, and Mahesh Bartaula were similarly vandalized and set on fire. Reports indicate that some political leaders were assaulted during the unrest.
The demonstration turned violent after 19 young men were killed during police action against the Gen-Z protest, which was initially sparked by issues related to corruption and a social media blockade. The incidents have resulted in significant damage to important physical structures and residences across the country’s main cities.