Public anger has resurfaced in Nepal's capital after the death of a 25-year-old ride-sharing driver triggered fresh protests against the Kathmandu Metropolitan City administration led by Mayor Balendra "Balen" Shah. On Sunday, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Singhdurbar Secretariat in Kathmandu, carrying placards demanding justice, respect for human rights, and an end to what they described as mistreatment of poor and vulnerable citizens. The protests reflect growing dissatisfaction among many young Nepalis, particularly members of Generation Z, who have questioned the administration's handling of urban enforcement despite its strong public mandate.
The demonstrations were sparked by the death of Ganesh Nepali, who reportedly set himself on fire after municipal police locked the wheel of his motorcycle while he was waiting for a passenger on a Kathmandu street. According to eyewitnesses cited by The Kathmandu Post, the incident occurred during an enforcement operation by municipal authorities. Nepali sustained severe burn injuries and was rushed to hospital, where he later died. His death has intensified criticism of the city's enforcement methods and reignited broader concerns over the treatment of low-income workers and informal sector employees.
During Sunday's protest, demonstrators called for accountability from city authorities while raising concerns over alleged illegal arrests, the treatment of street vendors, and the displacement of riverside squatters. Protesters accused the administration of adopting an increasingly aggressive approach toward vulnerable communities. Many argued that recent enforcement drives have disproportionately affected daily wage earners and economically disadvantaged residents, deepening tensions between the municipal government and sections of the public.
Also Read: Uttarakhand On High Alert As Heavy Rains Raise Landslide Concerns
Mayor Balendra Shah, who was elected in 2022 on promises of improving governance and restoring public spaces, has earned both praise and criticism for his strict urban management policies. His administration has carried out campaigns to remove encroachments, clear pavements occupied by informal markets, and relocate settlements along riverbanks. While supporters argue these measures are necessary for better city management, critics contend that several operations have resulted in confrontations and have lacked adequate safeguards for affected communities.
Legal experts have also questioned whether Kathmandu Metropolitan City's municipal police possess the authority to use force during enforcement operations. According to Nepal's Constitution and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Municipal Police Act 2023, the municipal police are primarily responsible for protecting municipal property, maintaining sanitation, and supporting local administrative functions. Senior legal professionals and retired police officials have argued that powers such as physical coercion, crowd control, and detention remain the responsibility of the Nepal Police. The latest protests have therefore renewed calls for a review of municipal enforcement practices and greater accountability in the exercise of local government authority.
Also Read: Himachal CM Flags Concerns Over Kishau Project And State Interests