Kathmandu Traffic Police Struggle Without Uniforms After Gen-Z Protests

Kathmandu’s traffic police are facing operational challenges after recent Gen-Z protests left many officers without proper uniforms. Protesters seized and damaged police attire, forcing personnel to work in mismatched clothing or civilian dress.

The unrest also caused significant destruction to police infrastructure. Across Kathmandu Valley, 62 police offices were completely destroyed and 64 partially damaged, while 164 traffic police vehicles were set ablaze or vandalized. Weapons, office equipment, and other essential materials were looted or damaged during the protests.

Three police officers were killed in the Valley, with one in Koteshwor and two in Maharajgunj, and over 1,000 were injured. Many officers also lost personal belongings when barracks were burned, leading some to seek shelter with relatives.

Communities in the Valley have stepped in to support police by donating food, clothing, utensils, and helping return stolen equipment. Police Headquarters has begun supplying new uniforms, and operations have been temporarily moved to alternative locations such as Traffic Metro FM and the Police Club. Authorities are conducting a nationwide damage assessment, which is expected to take several days.