Bibek Pokhrel
Kathmandu, May 24: Nepal has witnessed 3,963 protest-related events over the past 10 months, resulting in estimated damages exceeding Rs 500 million, according to data released by the Nepal Police Headquarters during a press briefing on Friday.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Ramesh Thapa said the protest activities included 12 general strikes, 12 transport blockades, 816 lockouts, 782 sit-ins, 134 hunger strikes, 118 road obstructions, and 2,089 protest rallies across the country.
The protests led to the arson of 76 vehicles and the vandalism of 31 others. Police estimate that damage to public infrastructure amounted to Rs407.5 million, while vehicle-related losses totalled Rs95.1 million, bringing the overall estimated damage to Rs502.6 million.
During this period, police detained 666 individuals in connection with protest activities. Of these, 530 were released on general dates, while 136 have faced legal action. Charges include 65 for organised crime, 27 for offences against the state, 24 for disorderly conduct, 18 for unlawful assembly and rioting, and two for other criminal disruptions, according to DIG Thapa.
The increase in protest activity reflects a growing climate of public unrest, raising concerns over law and order, as well as the escalating cost of civil disruption to the nation.
– The Kathmandu Post