KATHMANDU: The police are set to conduct a rigorous “search operation” to recover weapons looted during the Gen Z Movement.

According to the Nepal Police Headquarters, 1,276 rifles and pistols were stolen nationwide during the protests on September 8 and 9.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had issued a public notice on September 25, giving an ultimatum to return the weapons by mid-October.

Two weeks after the notice, only 500 weapons have been returned, while 600 remain unaccounted for.

Seeing slim chances of the remaining weapons being surrendered voluntarily, the ministry has instructed the police to carry out the search operation with strict enforcement.

“Since more than half of the weapons have not been returned, a strict search operation has become necessary,” said Home Ministry spokesperson Ananda Kafle. “The necessary directives have already been issued to the police.”

According to the Police Headquarters, the search operation is currently ongoing. The ministry has warned that if the weapons are not returned voluntarily, special enforcement measures will be taken.

“The operation is ongoing. Some have handed over weapons voluntarily, but only a negligible number have been recovered so far,” said Deputy Inspector General of Nepal Police Binod Ghimire.

The ministry had announced that those who returned or reported looted weapons by mid-October would be treated with due respect. After that date, anyone found with looted weapons would face legal action.

Under the National Penal (Code) Act, 2017, individuals can carry weapons only with valid permits. Weapons must be returned if the permit is not renewed.

Possessing weapons without authorization constitutes an offense punishable by up to three years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 30,000. The police can also prosecute for theft or looting.

During the Gen Z Movement, protesters looted SLR, .303 rifles, INSAS, gas guns, and pistols from police offices, along with 98,491 rounds of ammunition.

The Home Ministry warns that the unreturned weapons are causing fear in society and could pose a challenge to election preparations.

The government is preparing for the House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026, and looted weapons could destabilize the electoral environment.