Police Quickly Recovered After Severe Injuries: Analyzing the Situation
Summary: During the Genji protests on September 8 and 9, the Nepal Police reported the deaths of three officers and hundreds injured. Despite the destruction of police stations, the force rapidly rebuilt and resumed active duties. Around 1,000 protesters involved in the Genji movement have been arrested and prosecuted, and among the escaped detainees, 9,000 have been reapprehended.
March 12, Kathmandu – “The Nepal Police suffered damages in two days of Genji protests that they had not experienced even in the 10-year armed conflict.” This sentiment is shared by police officials and former officers alike, emphasizing that the greatest losses during this movement befell the police. Three officers died and hundreds were injured during the protests. Police stations were destroyed to ashes, uniforms were stolen, and weapons seized. The police were subjected to brutal stoning and inhumane treatment. Over 1,200 firearms and 100,000 rounds of ammunition were lost. Several police offices were demolished, and officers were instructed to abandon their posts for safety.
The police offices, already under reconstruction after the earthquake, suffered significant damage from the September protests. Frontline officers became targets of protesters, suffering heavy losses. The year 2025 BS proved extremely challenging for the police, exposing deficiencies in crowd control capabilities. Even minor protests could not be contained for more than five to ten minutes, revealing gaps in training and lack of advance intelligence. After riotous destruction in prohibited zones, the police failed in their use-of-force principles.
On September 8 in Kathmandu, police gunfire resulted in 19 protesters’ deaths, with two more fatalities reported in outer districts. Injuries and deaths were often the result of shots aimed above the waist, contrary to guidelines prescribing fire below the waist. This error questioned the police’s crowd control proficiency. Former AIG of the Armed Police Force, Raviraj Thapa, also acknowledged failures in use-of-force principles, stating, “There was weakness in intelligence gathering. The force application principle was incorrect. Using full force from the beginning wasn’t the right approach. Police doctrine emphasizes minimal harm, minimal casualties, and minimal use of force.”
Nonetheless, despite widespread destruction, the police quickly resumed active duty, with morale and capacity remaining intact. The concerns regarding morale and capability following the protests were dismissed by officials. Police Inspector General (IGP) Danahadur Karki stated, “Mother, I have returned, risen from the ashes.” He conveyed that the police, devastated by the Genji movement, have now risen and are committed to fulfilling their duties.
Following the protests, officers were seen patrolling without uniforms, wearing only slippers. Despite the lack of offices and barracks, active police personnel rapidly rebuilt infrastructure overnight, accelerating operations. Community support played a significant role. Former IGP Chandrakuber Khapung noted that only criminals sought to destroy the police, while the general public and community extended their support, sending a strong message about the indispensability of police for society.
Post-Genji, police remained active during the Dashain floods and landslides, staying alert round-the-clock and playing a vital role in mitigating large-scale loss of life and property. Despite fears that the February 2 elections might not occur, the police successfully maintained peace and ensured a smooth election process on February 4 without casualties, receiving commendations for their efficiency.
Former Deputy Inspector General Hemant Malla Thakuri remarked, “After the Genji protests, there were many questions concerning daily peace and security, elections, escaped detainees, and arms control. The police have answered all through their actions. They have quickly restored their strength.” He added that despite the significant damage during the protests, the police have returned to their old pace in criminal investigations and security. Those involved in arson and looting have been arrested and prosecuted.
Approximately 1,000 individuals involved in the September 9 arson and looting have been detained. These include perpetrators of police station arson, police murders, setting fire to the Supreme Court and the Singh Durbar government complex, as well as arson and looting of private homes. Some suspects remain at large. A commission led by former Justice Gauribahadur Karki submitted a report on the incident, which the police have been implementing smoothly.
High-profile arrests include former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lal Shrestha. Legal proceedings are ongoing for officials of high rank, with some still in custody, including former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, businessman Deepak Bhatt, and Subhal Agrawal. They are under investigation for money laundering. These cases send a positive message about police morale and investigative capacity, demonstrating that the police can effectively investigate, whether the suspects are VIPs or ordinary citizens.
Security in other areas remains stable on average. Out of approximately 14,000 detainees who escaped during the protests, about 9,000 have been reapprehended and sent to prisons. Following rising anarchy, increased criminal tendencies, and risks of hooliganism, the police launched crackdowns against such elements, arresting 24 individuals involved in hooliganism from Kathmandu.
IGP Karki has directed operations to remove intermediaries harassing service recipients in government offices and to stop unlawful collections made under the guise of accelerating services.
Overall, the police have succeeded in restoring confidence in their morale and duty performance following the Genji protests, with indications that they have swiftly returned to pre-crisis conditions.