Dhangadhi: During the Gen-Z protests on September 9 (24 Bhadra), government infrastructures in Kailali district were heavily damaged.
In Dhangadhi, the temporary provincial capital, protesters set fire to and vandalized almost all government offices except Nepal Telecom, Electricity Office, Health Office, Seti Provincial Hospital, Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan Office, and Nepal Police offices.
Most other government office buildings were burned, and vehicles were also torched. Not only in Dhangadhi but also in Attariya, Ghodaghodi, Lamkichuha, Tikapur, and other places, government infrastructures suffered damages.
According to the preliminary study by the District Administration Office, 108 government office buildings were set on fire, vandalized, or looted across the district, and about 600 vehicles, both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, were burned.
Administrative Officer of the District Administration Office, Shivraj Joshi, said initial details show that 108 office buildings, 100 four-wheeled vehicles, and about 500 motorcycles were destroyed in the arson. He mentioned that the figures could change as more data comes in. He also said that 8–9 party offices and some private houses of political leaders were also torched. Work is still ongoing to collect complete damage details.
Since protesters also set fire to the District Administration Office, services have come to a halt. After cleaning on Saturday, the administration is preparing to provide essential services from Sunday, even if it has to operate from tents.
Following the arson, the Kailali District Court, Land Revenue Office, Survey Office, and almost all provincial government bodies have stopped functioning. As the situation begins to return to normal, these offices are now looking for alternative ways to resume services.
