POKHARA: Daily life in Nepal’s tourist hub of Pokhara is gradually returning to normal as the Gen-Z-led protests that convulsed the city earlier this week ease, officials said Friday.
Vehicular traffic surged on main roads Friday morning, and markets reported a visible increase in shoppers. “A decision will be taken whether to impose stricter restrictions or to ease them based on the situation until noon,” Kaski Chief District Officer Rudradevi Sharma told The Political Observer.
Sharma noted that while security remains tight, travel has been temporarily relaxed during morning and evening hours for essential purposes. A night-time curfew, however, continues to cover the Pokhara Metropolitan area.
The city suffered extensive damage during the September 8–9 youth protests, with arson and vandalism reported at numerous government offices. Buildings hit included the Gandaki Provincial Assembly, provincial ministries, district courts, the district administration office, Pokhara Metropolitan City headquarters and multiple ward offices, along with several private properties.
Despite the destruction, authorities say essential services are functioning and normalcy is returning in phases, though decisions on further easing or tightening restrictions will depend on developments later in the day.
