Violence Erupts in Kathmandu: Looting, Arson & Curfew Imposed

March 18, Kathmandu: Protesters have vandalized and looted the Bhatbhateni Superstore in Koteshwar.

After a pro-monarchy group’s demonstration was disrupted, the agitated crowd forcefully entered the Bhatbhateni Superstore, assaulting security guards. They then looted goods, set items on fire, and vandalized the store’s infrastructure.

Violence Erupts in Kathmandu: Looting, Arson & Curfew Imposed

Despite calls for security, police allegedly did not respond on time. “We called the Inspector General of Police at 3:58 PM, but no one has arrived yet,” a Bhatbhateni source claimed.

The mob shattered glass windows and threw vegetables and other items haphazardly inside the store. Additionally, they set fire to the office of the Unified Socialist Party in Aloknagar, near Tinkune.

The enraged protesters were also seen marching through the alleys of Koteshwar, heading toward the Maoist central office at Parisdanda. Along the way, they set vehicles on fire and vandalized a motorcycle.

Vehicles Torched in Balkumari

Meanwhile, in Balkumari, demonstrators set vehicles on fire after being chased away from Tinkune. The situation has escalated, prompting the administration to impose a curfew in five locations, including the Tinkune area.

Near the CPN-UML office, protesters torched a taxi. The royalist demonstrators, having been dispersed from Tinkune, are now reportedly carrying out acts of vandalism and arson across various parts of the Kathmandu Valley.

Nepal Army Deployed in Tinkune

The Nepal Army has been deployed in the Tinkune area to enforce the curfew order.