NA withdraws from 41 locations after situation normalizes

KATHMANDU: The Nepali Army (NA) troops deployed to protect important public infrastructures and 62 prisons in the wake of recent Gen-Z movement have been withdrawn from 41 locations as the situation gradually regains normalcy.

NA personnel were mobilized for security of five prisons within the Kathmandu Valley and 57 others outside the Valley in the wake of adverse situation arising after the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9 this year.

The NA stated that the troops remained station at 21 locations considering the security challenges.

Director General of NA’s Military Operations Department, Anup Jung Thapa, informed that the NA was able to bring the situation under the control within six to eight hours of deployment, even during the untoward situations involving arson, vandalism and riots triggered by the protestors during the Gen Z movement.

Thapa mentioned, “The NA had successfully carried out rescue operation with zero human casualties in an extremely challenging situation. Due to this, immediate assistance has been provided to ensure smooth flow of essential services and goods.’

Although the main building of the Singha Durbar was set on fire, Thapa shared that the strategically important documents in the National Security Council, Ministry of Defense and the data centre in the Ministry of Finance were protected through the NA’s efforts.

He added that some 2,000 protestors had gathered to attack the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to whom NA prevented from entering inside the airport and ensured the full operation of the airport from September 10.

According to him, foreign tourists stranded at the Airport were also provided appropriate protection.
Likewise, security arrangements were made for various diplomatic missions and foreign nationals in Nepal.

He further clarified that although the NA had managed to stop the protestors who barged into Singha Durbar in the first phase, the NA deemed that it was necessary to use lethal weapon to control the large crowd.

Hence, Thapa said that the NA had exercised special caution to prevent potential human casualties.