Business in ashes: One month after the Gen Z protest (Photo Feature)

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Business in ashes: One month after the Gen Z protest (Photo Feature)

Bikram Rai

October 9, 2025

2 MIN READ

The Koteshwar branch of Bhatbhateni begins rebuilding after the fire damage. Photo: Bikram Rai/Nepal News

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KATHMANDU: After the suppression by the government side of the Gen Z movement that took place in Kathmandu and many other places across the country on September 8, the movement took a violent turn the next day (September 9).

Government buildings and private commercial structures burnt. From Singha Durbar to the Supreme Court and from the President’s Office to the District Administration Offices, all were engulfed in flames.

Commercial structures could not be saved from the Gen Z movement. The Tangaal, Maharajgunj, Boudhha, and Koteshwar branches of Bhatbhateni Supermarket were targeted by the agitated crowd.

Within a few hours, the shops, warehouses, interior decorations, and materials worth millions of rupees there turned to ash in the flames.

In addition to this, the CG Motors showroom of the business house Chaudhary Group in Thapathali was set on fire. The Hilton Hotel in Naxal, which had foreign investment, was also burnt.

Media houses also fell victim to the Gen Z movement. The offices of the Kantipur Daily and Kantipur TV in Tinkune were set on fire by the protestors.

The fire that was ignited a month ago burnt the buildings but could not burn hope. Now, reconstruction has begun with the removal of smoke and ash from many of the burned buildings. Traders are preparing to rebuild their dreams again.

Meanwhile, government bodies have also started initiatives for relief and insurance processes by collecting details of the damage. The reconstruction of the Tata Motors showroom in Thapathali has already begun.

These commercial buildings were not just concrete structures; they were the foundation of hard work, employment, and the future for thousands of people. That foundation is re-emerging by shaking off the ashes.