On April 2nd in Nepal, a house garnered significant attention during protests calling for the reinstatement of the monarchy in Tinkune, Kathmandu. Passersby halt to gaze at and photograph this focal point. Although the flames within have been doused, the homeowner’s spirit remains aglow with distress as he looks upon his damaged property with disappointment.

“The home I constructed 20 years ago using a ₹5 million loan from the bank stands before me,” recounted Nayan Bahadur Chhetri to Republica on Tuesday. “When I first saw this place, my heart overflowed with happiness.” However, now whenever he looks at it, his heart breaks into pieces. He remains indifferent regarding which group is demonstrating or their reasons, as well as those being oppressed.

He does not care about the current or upcoming aspects of the protest. Nevertheless, the demonstration, which holds no appeal for him, has destroyed his ideal home. He stated, “The repair cost for the house is approximately Rs 1.8 million,” but added, “the emotional distress I’ve endured is much more significant.”

He mentioned that both he and the four entrepreneurs living in his building have faced difficulties. “On the ground floor was marble flooring, the second floor contained a veterinary clinic,” he explained, “while the third and fourth floors were used as an IT office.”

He pointed out that people running businesses from his home for their livelihood faced significant challenges following the incident. He noted that he invested heavily in maintaining the aesthetics of his house due to its prime location on the main road at Tinkune. Additionally, he improved the appearance of an adjacent building alongside his own property. The neighboring house, which shares a wall to the east, experienced broken windows and caught fire, resulting in damages to both possessions and lives.

He stated, “This whole event has made everybody feel afraid.” “The government needs to soothe these anxious spirits,” he added.

Nevertheless, he believes that the government has demonstrated minimal interest up until now. He mentioned that although the ward office recognized the damage, nobody appeared to be overly concerned about it. Expressing his exasperation, he stated, “We haven’t done anything wrong, yet our belongings have been ruined. Regardless of who is at fault, we should receive some form of compensation.”

He insisted that compensation should not just go to the homeowners but also to the shopkeepers living in those homes since they too faced substantial damages. While he was speaking, Tilak Bahadur Baruwal, who had started a spa business in the property next to where the blaze occurred, emerged looking somber. Disheartened by overseas work opportunities, he had sold his farmland in the village and established a store in town. Yet, this aspiration crumbled along with everything else.

“I had abandoned the aspiration of venturing overseas to embark on fresh endeavors,” Baruwal stated. “Yet, every one of my aspirations was consumed by the flames ignited during the protests.” He revealed that his spa center, which required an investment of Rs 3.5 million and offered employment to nine individuals, incurred significant losses amounting to several million rupees due to damage.

On Friday, a demonstration advocating for the reinstatement of the monarchy in Tinkune, Kathmandu, erupted into violence and descended into turmoil, resulting in fatalities among two individuals. Throughout these events, acts of property destruction and fires led to extensive harm across multiple areas. Nonetheless, as nobody has claimed accountability for the losses incurred, those affected still find themselves without answers.

Following the use of force by law enforcement, some demonstrators dispersed and engaged in destructive activities such as ransacking residential properties, starting blazes, smashing cars, and plundering stores. Additionally, they attacked the premises of Kantipur Television and Annapurna Post, along with damaging the headquarters of the CPN (Unified Marxist-Leninist).

The authorities attribute the violence to the demonstrators, whereas the demonstrators contend that the chaos stemmed from individuals residing in those homes engaging in assaults. Nonetheless, the property owners still find themselves bewildered as they confront the consequences.

Chhetri states, “Rather than assigning blame to one another, it’s essential to pinpoint the actual wrongdoers. Only through this can the injured parties believe they’ve attained justice.”

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), which supports the reinstatement of the monarchy, has declined accountability for the riotous demonstration that took place on Friday. According to Mohan Shrestha, the RPP spokesman, the party will keep engaging in and ethically backing nonviolent campaigns aimed at establishing a Hindu nation under royal rule.

Shrestha stressed that the RPP does not endorse violent demonstrations. In addition, the Ministry of Home Affairs has stated that they will guarantee compensation for the victims from those responsible for the offenses. “Compensation will be provided to the victims based on the findings of the investigation regarding those deemed culpable,” explained Rabindra Acharya, who serves as the Ministry’s spokesperson. He also mentioned that the police have initiated the investigative process.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with authorization from Republica.

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