FENIE meets finance minister, raises concerns over attacks on businesses during protest

KATHMANDU: A delegation from the Federation of Nepalese Industries and Entrepreneurs (FENIE) recently met Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal to raise concerns about attacks on businesspeople during the Gen‑Z protests on September 8 and 9.

The delegation, led by FENIE President Bhagirath Sapkota, told the minister that, while Gen‑Z demonstrated on September 8, on September 9, business premises were vandalised and arson was committed under the pretext of a Gen‑Z protest, which they described as completely wrong and condemnable. “If the government does not take action against those who engage in criminal activity, a business‑friendly environment will not be created in the country,” Sapkota said.

Sapkota warned that treating all Gen‑Z protests as the same would encourage further unrest in the future. He said FENIE did not oppose the issues Gen‑Z raised or the way they protested on September 8, but the government must immediately bring to justice those responsible for the destruction and burning of business firms, looting of businesspeople, ordinary citizens, and damaging state property on September 9. FENIE appealed that criminal acts carried out under the pretext of the Gen‑Z protests have damaged business morale, and that the government should play a parental role in addressing this.

The federation also said that, to revive the current economy, a simple initiative is not enough and a booster dose from the state is needed. FENIE demanded that the government take steps to resolve the ongoing dispute over the dedicated trunk line.

Minister Khanal said the incidents arising from the Gen‑Z protests will be investigated and inquired into in two parts. He said it is wrong to vandalise business premises and carry out arson attacks under the pretext of protest, and that those responsible will be punished. He also said the current government is taking steps to create a business‑friendly environment in the country.