KATHMANDU: Looters have begun exploiting the chaos in Kathmandu. On Tuesday evening, employees at the Baneshwor branch of Rastriya Banijya Bank reported an ongoing robbery, raising fears that organized criminal groups are taking advantage of the unrest.
According to one bank employee, the individuals involved in the looting did not appear to be associated with the Gen-Z movement but were other anarchic elements using the protests as cover.
The capital remains on edge after Monday’s clashes, when heavy-handed police action left multiple casualties and triggered nationwide outrage. In retaliation, protesters torched key state institutions, including the Parliament building, the Supreme Court, and Singha Durbar. Fires at all three sites continued to burn late into Tuesday, destroying important records and infrastructure.
While Gen-Z organizers have repeatedly urged demonstrators not to attack public property, groups of protesters have pressed forward with arson and vandalism at government facilities.
Amid escalating chaos, the Nepali Army announced that troops will be mobilized from 10 PM Tuesday to restore order. The Army has appealed to Gen-Z leaders to withdraw the agitation and come to the negotiating table.
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