Riots across Nepal following the murder of twelve Nepali hostages in Iraq caused two deaths and hundreds of millions in damages.
Key Facts
- Duration
- 31 August – 6 September 2004
- Deaths
- 2 people
- Company damages
- ~750 million NPR
- Hostages killed
- 12 Nepali workers murdered in Iraq
- Kidnapping date
- 19 August 2004
- Perpetrator group
- Jamaat Ansar al-Sunna
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
On 19 August 2004, twelve Nepali workers were kidnapped in Iraq by Jamaat Ansar al-Sunna. On 31 August 2004, it was confirmed that all twelve had been murdered, triggering widespread outrage among the Nepali population.
Thousands of people rioted across cities and towns in Nepal from 31 August to 6 September 2004. The unrest included looting, arson, violent clashes with police, and vandalism targeting media outlets such as Kantipur Publications, Kantipur Television, Space Time Network, and Channel Nepal. Authorities imposed curfews in affected areas.
Two people were killed during the riots. The Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies reported losses amounting to billions of NPR, and various companies sustained approximately 750 million NPR in damages, highlighting the economic and social toll of the unrest.
Political Outcome
Riots were suppressed through curfews; two people died and significant property damage occurred across Nepal.