KATHMANDU, Sept 17: The Gen Z movement, which initially began on social media protesting corruption and the luxurious lifestyles of politicians’ children and later escalated to violence in the streets, also targeted police officers and personnel. During the unrest, hundreds of police uniforms were burned to ashes. Police officers who survived the attacks are now performing duties on the streets even without uniforms.
Images of protesters wearing police uniforms for photos and police officers working without uniforms have gone viral on social media. The publicly shared photos mocking the uniform have deeply hurt the police. “A uniform is not just ordinary clothing for security personnel. It carries responsibility, discipline, and identity,” says Nawaraj Adhikari, Chief of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). “The uniform belongs not just to the police, but to society as a whole.”
He added that ordinary citizens feel safe when they see police in uniform. The burning of extra uniforms kept at police posts, those worn by active officers, and stock in training centers has caused significant damage.
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According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, most of the 78 units’ uniforms were burned. However, with assistance received from various sources, the situation of working without uniforms has ended. “Yes, for some time we had to perform duties without uniforms—not to show off, but out of a sense of responsibility,” Adhikari said. “Now, we are no longer in a situation where we must work without uniforms.”
Even though the uniform issue is resolved, the police still feel the pain of its misuse. “We are deployed to protect the very citizens who burned our uniforms,” said a police constable on duty two days ago. “Even though we are working without uniforms now, our discipline remains the same.”
Police hold their uniform in high regard. “Burning a uniform is not just burning a piece of clothing—it is burning the institutional identity,” they say. Meanwhile, some scenes circulated on social media showing protesters mocking the burned uniforms, which has saddened the police.
Under the Public Security Act, 2046 BS, misuse of police uniforms to create public confusion, unrest, or fear is considered a serious crime. Using the uniform to engage in riots, arson, looting, attacks, or other organized criminal activities is treated as an even more serious offense. Those committing such crimes can face up to 19 years of imprisonment or a heavy fine.
The Gen Z movement was undoubtedly a powerful voice for justice, transparency, and against corruption, but the destruction seen under its guise has raised questions about the movement’s purpose. Some incidents are inexcusable.
SSP Nawaraj Adhikari emphasizes that the uniform belongs not only to the police but to society as a whole. “The difference is only this: citizens are police without uniforms, while police are citizens with uniforms,” he added.
