FNCCI Urges Police Action Against Those Involved in Vandalism During Gen-Z Protests

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has urged the Nepal Police to take swift action against those involved in vandalism, arson, looting, and destruction of private property during the recent Gen-Z protests. The federation stated that the incidents have created an atmosphere of insecurity in the private sector and called for immediate legal action against the perpetrators.

A team of FNCCI office-bearers met with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki on Sunday and expressed concern that police offices have not been registering complaints filed by affected business owners. According to the federation, even complaints submitted with evidence have been rejected by district-level police units.

FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal said that the infiltration of violent groups during the protests caused significant damage to industries and private businesses. He noted that although the agenda of good governance raised in the movement aligns with the federation’s long-standing demands, the violent turn of events has weakened the morale of the private sector. Dhakal warned that failure to ensure rule of law would fuel impunity and badly harm the investment climate.

Former president Shekhar Golchha remarked that investment cannot thrive without security and stability. He said that business owners outside Kathmandu have also reported that their complaints were not registered, which has led to growing frustration and distrust within the private sector. Golchha stressed the need for the police administration to take the issue seriously.

FNCCI Senior Vice-President Anjan Shrestha stated that the private sector was targeted in a planned manner during this round of protests. He said that economic activities cannot function without peace, stability, and security, and urged the authorities to take strict action against those involved.

IGP Karki assured the delegation that maintaining peace and security remains the top priority of Nepal Police. He said that anyone involved in violence, vandalism, and arson under the guise of the protest would be prosecuted based on evidence. Karki informed the delegation that all district police offices have already been instructed to take action against those responsible for attacks on public and private property.

The FNCCI team included Vice-Presidents Surkishan Vaidya, Hemraj Dhakal, Jyotsna Shrestha, and Treasurer Bharat Raj Acharya, among others.