Editorial photo #12678191 Religion and Belief
Scrap Dealers Come To Street Against Kathmandu Mayor Balendra (Balen) Shah
Scrap dealers march in the roads of Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 26, 2025, protesting against Mayor Balendra (Balen) Shah, accusing him of unleashing a bulldozer terror against their businesses. The scrap workers and traders picket the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) office, chanting slogans and carrying placards with sharp messages against the mayor. They demand an immediate halt to what they describe as harassment, assaults, and forced demolitions carried out by the city police under Shah's leadership. The demonstrators put forward a five-point demand, which includes guaranteeing the constitutional right to pursue their trade and occupation, stopping physical assaults, intimidation, and demolition of scrap businesses by KMC authorities, taking action against city police involved in excesses, ensuring the safety of scrap workers, collectors, and traders, and compensating for damages caused to the scrap industry over the past two years. Protesters warn that unless their demands are addressed, they will escalate their demonstrations further and hold the mayor directly responsible for the unrest. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)
