FNMBA demands govt to pay compensation to the owners of mobile phone shops that were looted

Published On: February 14, 2023 04:00 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Feb 14: The Federation of Nepal Mobile Business Association (FNMBA) has demanded that the government pay full compensation to the owners of mobile shops that were robbed and vandalized in the course of the protest of transport workers' demonstration in Gongabu.

On Tuesday, the FNMBA held a press conference at Lhotse Mall in Naya Bus Park and demanded that the protesting organization and the government pay full compensation for the loss and damage caused by the protestors to businesspersons. The protestors looted and vandalized the mobile phone shops during the demonstration of the transport workers at Lhotse Mall in Naya Bus Park.

Speaking at a press conference, FNMBA President Bharat Bhattarai warned that if the government does not address the demands of mobile businessmen within 48 hours, they will stage a nationwide protest. He has accused the government of not showing favor to the businessmen by remaining silent on the state incident for 15 hours.

He said that the protestors and the state should provide compensation for the looting of the mobile shops in Lhotse Mall, Buspark.

He demanded that the government should investigate and take action against shop robbers. President Bhattarai has said that there has been a loss of Rs 8 to Rs 10 million due to looting and vandalism.

He said that Monday's incident will confirm how weak the country's security system is and that the state should pay the entire compensation for the incident.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed the police to investigate the robbery of a mobile shop during the protest of transport workers on Monday.

Videos of protestors looting mobile phones from a mobile shop operating at Lhotse Mall in Gongbu have also been released on social media.

On Tuesday, Home Ministry Secretary Binod Prakash Singh telephoned Inspector General of Police Dhiraj Pratap Singh and instructed him to identify those involved in the incident and take action.

Jitendra Basnet, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs, said, "This is a regular work of the police. The incident that came out has also drawn our attention. The secretary has given instructions to identify the culprits and take action."