Shuklaphanta municipality services suspended following vandalism during Gen Z protests

Kanchanpur: The functioning of Shuklaphanta Municipality has been severely disrupted after arson and vandalism during the Gen Z protests caused extensive damage to municipal infrastructure.

Protesters vandalized the administrative building of the municipality as well as all 12 ward offices, setting fire to office materials and equipment.

“The office has been unable to operate as it takes time to prepare, assess, and clean up the damaged structures and materials that were vandalized and burned,” said Khemraj Bista, the municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer. He added that buildings in Wards 1, 4, and 7 were set on fire, resulting in the destruction of important documents, furniture, computers, fans, air conditioners, printers, and other office equipment.

Ward employees reported that revenue collected from service recipients, laptops, and torches meant for distribution in elephant-affected areas were looted. Currently, Ward No. 10 has resumed partial services from the veranda of the health office using alternative arrangements.

Officer Bista stated that it will take approximately a week to restore normal operations in the municipality. Similarly, Krishnapur Municipality has prepared to provide services from the canteen, while Punarbas Municipality has also been unable to operate due to arson and vandalism.