NCC demands compensation for shops looted during transport workers’ protest

KATHMANDU: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has expressed deep concern over the vandalism and looting of shops at Lotse Mall in Gongabu area, Kathmandu, on February 13. It has drawn the attention of the government to the incident and has demanded to ensure business security in the commercial sector. A statement issued by NCC expressed its serious concern over the incident of vandalism and looting of shops during the protest held by various transport workers' organisations. The private sector's organisation has also urged the government to take immediate legal action against the culprits of the incident and arrange compensation for the victims from those involved in the looting of shops. NCC President Rajendra Malla asserted that although there is a right to hold a peaceful protest and demonstration, no one is allowed to engage in vandalism and looting under the pretext of protest. He opined that security agencies should be kept alert and deployed for the security of industrial and commercial areas. NCC has mentioned that if peace and security cannot be maintained in the commercial sector, the business will have to be closed. The organisation lamented that law and order could not be maintained even when businesses are operated by paying taxes to the state. Further, NCC has demanded the government ensure the safety of businesspersons and the prevention of such incidents in the future. Meanwhile, Nepal Police on Wednesday made public four persons who allegedly looted various shops at Lotse Mall in the vicinity of Naya Bus Park in Gongabu. Organising a press conference, District Police Range, Kathmandu, paraded Chiran Regmi of Dailekh, Nabin Khadgi of Kathmandu, Sujan Khatri of Rupandehi, and Pradeep Basnet of Jhapa as the culprits involved in the incident. Superintendent of Police (SP) Sitaram Rijal informed that the search was on for others involved in the incident. Mobile phones, chargers, recharge cards, earphones and other accessories were looted from the shops at the mall during the vandalism that took place following a demonstration held by transport workers and entrepreneurs on Monday. READ ALSO:

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