KATHMANDU: Kathmandu’s traffic police, known for their blue uniforms and whistles, have been forced to work without proper attire after protesters seized and mocked their outfits during recent Gen Z–led demonstrations.
Social media videos showed demonstrators wearing traffic police uniforms and blowing whistles, leaving many officers on duty in mismatched clothing or even in civilian dress.
“Our uniform was our identity. Now we borrow belts and shirts from each other, and if nothing fits, we stand in civilian clothes,” one officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity. He added that the situation has left them humiliated and insecure, though they continue to serve the public regardless of conditions.
The unrest has caused significant damage to police infrastructure. Weapons, vehicles, and office equipment were looted or destroyed, while tens of thousands of prisoners escaped across the country, spreading fear among the public.
In Kathmandu Valley alone, 62 police offices were fully destroyed and 64 partially damaged, while 164 traffic police vehicles were set ablaze or vandalized.
The protests also took a heavy human toll. According to police, three officers were killed in the Valley, one in Koteshwor and two in Maharajgunj, while 1,036 were injured. Of them, 131 remain under treatment.
Many police lost personal belongings as their barracks were burned, forcing them to seek shelter with relatives or survive on biscuits and water during long shifts. Despite the losses, local communities have begun assisting by donating food, clothing, utensils, and even helping return stolen weapons.
Police Headquarters has started supplying new uniforms, and operations are being shifted to alternative facilities, including Traffic Metro FM and the Police Club, after major offices were destroyed. Officials say it will take days to complete damage assessments nationwide.
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