In the aftermath of the Gen Z movement on September 8 and 9, which saw widespread attacks on police stations across Nepal, authorities have initiated efforts to recover and reissue crucial documents, including driving licences, vehicle registration papers, and legal files, destroyed in the arson.

Police officers say coordination is underway among the traffic police, the Department of Transport, and the Office of the Government Attorney to restore essential records and facilitate public access to lost documents.

Police stations and government offices across the country came under attack during the Gen Z protests, which intensified on September 9 following the killing of dozens of young demonstrators on September 8. Police personnel were killed and subjected to mistreatment.

Moreover, some detainees held in police custody not only escaped but also looted weapons. As police offices in many districts were set on fire, important documents, including driving licences and vehicle ownership documents (bill books) that had been seized by police for rule violations, were destroyed.

According to the police, a total of 118 police offices across the country were completely destroyed during the protests, while 347 others sustained partial damage. The police further said that they are coordinating with traffic police regarding the loss of driving licences and bill books.

According to Naresh Raj Subedi, the information officer at the Traffic Police Office in the Kathmandu Valley, individuals must submit an online application to the police to retrieve their driving licences and vehicle registration documents (bill books). Once the application is approved, they can take the approval letter to the Department of Transport to reclaim their documents.

“Such applications can be submitted by filling out an online form available on the police website,” Subedi said.

According to Subedi, individuals can fill out a form by clicking on the “Lost Documents” section of the office’s official website.

Once the application is submitted, an application number is generated. By entering this number under the “Check Application” section, applicants can obtain a recommendation letter containing a QR code.

“Applicants must visit the respective transport office with the QR-coded recommendation letter. This system not only saves applicants’ time but also helps reduce the workload at the traffic police office,” Subedi said.

Additionally, spokesperson Subedi said that if a person’s documents were destroyed in the fire, they can still operate their vehicle temporarily on the basis of a 24-hour slip or recommendation letter previously issued by the traffic police.

Even if someone does not have their driving licence, they will be allowed to drive provided they can present a previously issued 24-hour slip or any other valid proof from the traffic police, he said.

Meanwhile, Central Police Spokesperson Binod Ghimire said that during the attacks on police offices, not only driving licences and vehicle registration documents (bill books) were destroyed, but also case-related files. However, Ghimire added that they are working in coordination with the District Offices of the Government Attorney to recover or address the loss of legal documents on a district-wise basis.

“Documents not available with the police may be with the Office of the Government Attorney, and those not available there may be with the police or the lawyers handling the respective cases,” Ghimire said. “We are working in close coordination among all three parties on this matter.”

Meanwhile, Assistant Attorney General Achyutmani Neupane from the Office of the Attorney General expressed similar views to those of Police Spokesperson Ghimire. He said that police officess affected by the damage are coordinating with the respective District Offices of the Government Attorney to carry out the necessary work.