Nepal Police, the institution primarily responsible for maintaining law and order, became the central target of the GenZ protests that spiraled into violence on Sept 8 and 9. Police posts and offices were systematically torched not only in the Kathmandu Valley but across the country, crippling the force’s operational capacity.
Following the death of 19 demonstrators during clashes on the first day, anger escalated into deliberate arson and vandalism. Ordinary officers, including traffic police, were assaulted, their uniforms torn, and their arms and ammunition seized. While government buildings, Singhadurbar, judiciary complexes, and political leaders’ residences were also attacked, police infrastructure bore the heaviest damage.
In the aftermath, Nepal Police are struggling to restore basic operations. Across the country, officers are clearing rubble and erecting makeshift offices. On the streets, traffic police can be seen directing vehicles in plain clothes and sandals. Meanwhile, the Nepali Army has withdrawn from public duty since the formation of the civilian government under Sushila Karki. Already stretched thin in terms of resources, the police are now weaker than ever.
The interim government has announced elections for 5 March 2026, but doubts remain over its ability to guarantee security. The looting of shopping malls, businesses, and homes has further eroded confidence, leaving citizens convinced that in the event of another mob attack, the state will not protect them.
Reports now suggest that local cadres from the Nepali Congress, Rastriya Swatantra Party, royalist groups, and others secretly planned some of the attacks, deliberately targeting rivals’ property. This indicates that the violence was not driven solely by apolitical Gen Z protesters but also by organized party operatives.
Nepal Police are now reviewing thousands of video clips and photos identifying attackers, fueling fears of revenge at the community level. On Wednesday, media reports suggested an attempt to attack Sudan Gurung, a Gen Z protest leader, which is an alarming sign of possible escalation. So far, youth wings of major political parties have not staged protests, but some leaders are making provocative statements that raise the risk of clashes at the local level.
The law-and-order crisis is unfolding against the backdrop of deep-seated economic vulnerabilities. Even before the protests, Nepal faced serious challenges: youth unemployment stood at 20.8 in 2024, among the highest in South Asia. With limited prospects at home, hundreds of thousands of young Nepalis sought opportunities abroad.
Gen Z’s frustrations were rooted not only in unemployment but also in widespread corruption and severe inequality, which limited their chances of dignified work. The economic cost of the unrest is already significant. Hotels, restaurants, and business houses were burned or looted, leaving thousands of workers suddenly jobless. Such job losses can have a cascading effect. Rising unemployment may push some toward petty crime, extortion, or other illicit activities, further compounding the law-and-order challenge.
The timing of the protests could not be worse. Nepal has been trying to attract both domestic and foreign investment to stimulate growth, but political instability is now forcing investors to reconsider. Tourism, a cornerstone of the Nepali economy, is particularly at risk. Images of burning government buildings and looted shops have already circulated widely, and prolonged instability could deter visitors during peak travel seasons. With tourism-linked businesses employing large numbers of youth, this could deepen the unemployment crisis.
The state’s ability to address this twin crisis of security and economy remains questionable. Coordination among the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepal Army, and intelligence agencies appears weak. The Karki-led government has not taken concrete steps beyond inspecting damaged offices and urging police to keep morale high. Meanwhile, 13,000 inmates escaped during the protests, of which only 3,000 have returned, further destabilizing communities. Looted police weapons also remain missing, heightening security risks.
At the political level, leaders remain largely silent, wary of making public appearances amid threats. Responsibility for maintaining order has effectively fallen on the police that is already weakened by losses in personnel, infrastructure, and equipment.
Without stability, elections planned for March next year will be difficult to conduct credibly. And without economic recovery, particularly job creation, the frustrations of Nepal’s youth may intensify.
The immediate challenge is rebuilding confidence among citizens, investors, and the international community that Nepal remains governable. The longer-term challenge is reform: tackling corruption, reducing inequality, and creating employment opportunities. Failure on either front could push Nepal toward deeper instability.
