Siraha, Nepal: Two microfinance institutions in Siraha district were attacked and set on fire by a group of women. The incident took place at the Choharwa branch of Shrijanshil Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd and Jeevan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited in Golbazar Municipality-7.
According to local authorities, a group of approximately 20 women stormed the offices of both institutions, seizing office documents, computers, laptops, and mobile phones. They then proceeded to set the items ablaze, causing significant damage.
Rajkumar Shrestha, the president of Shrijanshil Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd, reported that the women had entered the office under the guise of being customers. Once inside, they overpowered staff and stole valuable items before starting the fire.
A similar incident occurred at Jeevan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited, where two desktop computers were damaged and documents were confiscated.
The Struggle Against Microfinance and Financial Exploitation Committee (Sangharsa Samiti) Nepal has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Arjun Bishwakarma, the Madhes state president of the committee, stated that the incidents were a direct result of the government and microfinance institutions failing to implement a previous agreement to address the concerns of borrowers.
Local police have arrested 10 women in connection with the arson attacks and are continuing their investigation into the matter.
