NA’s concern over security challenge likely from looted arms, escaped prisoners

Kathmandu: The Nepali Army (NA) has expressed serious concern over the security challenges likely by the weapons looted and the prisoners who escaped confinement during the Gen Z demonstrations held on September 8–9.

At a press conference held at the NA Headquarters on Friday, the Army appealed to all levels and authorities for collective efforts to recover the looted weapons and apprehend the escaped prisoners.

According to the NA, a total of 15,588 inmates escaped from prisons, of which 8,799 have returned so far. Similarly, out of 978 weapons looted, 586 have been recovered.

The demonstrations, which took place at 484 locations, resulted in the deaths of 22 demonstrators, three police personnel, 10 prisoners, and 41 others, the NA said.

A total of 688 government offices and other physical infrastructures were damaged due to acts of vandalism and arson carried out during the protests.