Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: What began as a protest under the banner of Gen-Z movement has spiraled into widespread violence and destruction, with rioters vandalizing and torching multiple car showrooms in the Thapathali area, inflicting damages worth billions of rupees.
Eyewitnesses and company officials confirmed that private businesses and brands, which were not connected to any political party or dispute, became prime targets of mob violence. Protesters smashed glass panels, forced their way into showrooms, and mercilessly destroyed brand-new vehicles displayed for sale.
Videos circulating on social media show mobs breaking into premises, smashing cars, and setting fire to properties. Several protesters allegedly entered showroom offices, where they set furniture, documents, and computers ablaze, while also engaging in looting.
Private Property Under Siege
Business groups said the extent of destruction signals that the movement has turned into anarchic looting and violent unrest rather than a political demonstration.
Showrooms belonging to leading international brands such as Hyundai, and Tata were completely destroyed, leaving the Thapathali commercial hub in ruins and fear. Business owners expressed deep anger, frustration, and helplessness, with many unable to respond publicly due to the shock and scale of losses.
Violence Spreads Beyond Car Showrooms
The unrest did not stop at automobile outlets. According to reports, protesters also attacked large hotels, supermarkets, telecom companies, and schools in Kathmandu on Tuesday, properties built with investments worth billions of rupees.
Such incidents, targeting essential sectors of Nepal’s fragile economy, have raised alarms among investors, entrepreneurs, and civil society.
Blow to Business and Investment Climate
Nepal’s business environment, already weakened by political instability, corruption, and slow economic recovery, has been pushed into deeper crisis. Entrepreneurs warn that the destruction of private investments will undermine confidence among international investors and jeopardize Nepal’s economic stability.
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has previously cautioned that violent movements and attacks on private enterprises could drive away foreign direct investment (FDI) and threaten thousands of jobs in sectors like tourism, automobiles, retail, telecommunications, and education.
Social Media Fuels Fear and Outrage
Clips of the violent attacks have gone viral on social media, intensifying public anger and raising concerns about law and order. Security experts argue that such unchecked violence damages Nepal’s reputation internationally, portraying the country as an unsafe and unstable destination for investment and tourism.
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