Communities help rebuild burnt police buildings, but officers still lack morale

Kathmandu, Sept. 18: On September 9, police constable Uttam Thapa and Assistant Inspector Milan Rai, stationed at Maharajgunj Police Post, were brutally killed by protesters during the demonstrations. 

Both officers were captured by demonstrators and beaten to death with sticks and rods, after which their bodies were dragged along the streets, displaying extreme cruelty The harrowing scenes of their assault remain deeply distressing.

Twenty-one other personnel from the post were rescued from the rooftop by the Nepali Army, as protesters had set fire to the police building. 

A similar fate befell Assistant Constable Amrit Gurung of Koteshwor Police Sector, who was cruelly murdered with a sharp weapon by protesters.

The protests, which began on September 8 against social media restrictions and corruption, escalated on September 9 when demonstrators torched government offices, including Singha Durbar, the Presidential Palace, the Supreme Court, Parliament, and private residences of leaders and activists, as well as hundreds of police stations.

Police personnel from New Baneshwor were forced to jump into the Bagmati River to escape from the mob. Even there, protesters pursued them, pelting stones and assaulting personnel on the river as well. Despite pleading for their lives, dozens were captured and brutally beaten.

Officers on duty, armed to protect public safety, were thrashed and chased. Even the state-sanctioned permission to fire in self-defence was rendered ineffective, forcing police to flee without uniforms or weapons.

Widespread destruction in Valley

The protests resulted in catastrophic losses of police infrastructure. Talking to The Rising Nepal on Wednesday, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Shekhar Khanal, informed 122 police stations were completely destroyed, while another 96 suffered partial damage. 

A total of 117 police vehicles were completely incinerated, with four sustaining partial damage. Approximately 158 two-wheeler police vehicles were also destroyed.

Community-led reconstruction efforts

Rebuilding efforts are now underway with strong community involvement in many parts of the Valley. Partially damaged buildings have been cleaned and made operational, though police still face a severe shortage of vehicles and equipment. Weapons and ammunition looted during the protests remain unaccounted for. 

According to SSP Khanal, over half a dozen police posts including in Thali, Koteshwar, Sobhabhagawati Temple side and Swoyambhu area have now been renovated and being coloured with the help of community and youths. 

A committee led by DIG Dipak Regmi from the Investigation Planning and Development Directorate of the Police Headquarter is documenting looted weapons and ammunition nationwide, he said. 

Estimates suggest that thousands of small and large firearms, along with millions of rounds of ammunition, were stolen during the protests. Police have warned that anyone failing to return looted weapons will face legal action.

The loss of equipment poses a severe security threat, especially as prisoners convicted of serious crimes escaped during the protests. According to the Department of Prison Management, 14,549 inmates fled nationwide, with 9,803 still at large.

Police struggle with morale

Despite rebuilding their offices, officers are facing morale deficit. Police uniforms have been looted, and protesters humiliated the force by wearing their clothing while occupying the stations. Officers are returning to duty, but many remain traumatized.

SSP Khanal said, “Even from the burned buildings, officers have resumed service. Leaves for staff have been canceled, and all personnel are accounted for and back on duty.”

However, officers admit that morale is low. “We are needed everywhere, but nobody wants to be here,” one officer remarked. “We must serve, even for those who tried to burn us alive. Homes and hearts may be burned, but the duty remains.” 

Our traffic policemen in shortage of proper traffic police dress, are also currently on the road to deliver their service from two days ago, said SSP Khanal.