Army issues notice to return looted weapons, maintain caution

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Sept. 11: Although the Gen-Z protests have largely been controlled, the Nepali Army has called on the public to immediately hand over all looted or missing firearms, ammunition, and security gear to the nearest security agency or personnel.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Directorate of Public Relations and Information of the Army Headquarters, it has warned that those refusing to comply would face legal consequences.

“Misuse of such weapons could result in severe loss of life and property. Therefore, individuals in possession of information are requested to alert security agencies and encourage those holding the weapons to surrender them,” the statement read. It further urged citizens not to wear or misuse military uniforms during this sensitive period.

73 weapons recovered 

By 5:00 pm Wednesday, the Army confirmed it had recovered 73 firearms looted during protests on Tuesday, most of which were voluntarily returned by civilians.

The Army, along with other security agencies, has recovered a total of 73 weapons that were either lost or looted during recent Gen-Z unrest across the country, the Nepali Army Headquarters said, Wednesday.

According to the Directorate of the Public Relations and Information of the Army Headquarters, this tally covers the period from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Wednesday, during which four suspects involved in looting in Maharajgunj area were apprehended by the army.

The army also stated that the situation at Dhulikhel District Prison in Kavre, where inmates clashed with the Nepal Police, is now under control. 

Similarly, a fire at Dillibazar Prison has been brought under control thanks to the efforts of the army and other security forces.

Security forces have also arrested several inmates who had escaped from prisons across various districts; among them, four in Saptari, 202 in Sunsari, 43 in Rukum (West), 50 in Kapilvastu, and four in Myagdi.

Appeal for public vigilance

Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peace and stability, the DPR&I stated that both the Army and other security agencies were deployed round the clock across the country since Tuesday night. It urged citizens to remain vigilant, resist undesirable activities, and engage in continuous monitoring within their communities.

The Army also appealed to local communities to unite, exchange information promptly, and safeguard their neighbourhoods until security forces arrive on the scene.

Citing ongoing threats from unruly groups engaged in looting, arson, and destructive acts targeting lives and property, the Army has requested immediate reporting of such incidents via SMS to 9863029029.

The statement further warned against the spread of misinformation: “Certain disruptive elements are attempting to exaggerate the situation and spread fear by circulating false news on social media. We urge the public to counter such acts by sharing only verified and accurate information from their respective areas.”