Bhatbhateni Supermarket Attempts to Return to Normalcy After Protests

Kathmandu. Bhatbhateni Supermarket, a commercial establishment that was a primary target of the Genji protests, is attempting to return to its old rhythm within a year. Of the country's largest business chain Bhatbhateni's 28 stores, 12 were set on fire. In addition, 9 were vandalized and looted. Of the 21 stores that suffered damage, 17 have been reopened. While the branches that were vandalized and looted were reopened earlier, 8 out of the 12 that were destroyed by fire have been reopened. Dharan in Sunsari, Naxal in Kathmandu, Hetauda in Makwanpur, and Damak in Jhapa branches are also in the process of reopening. Bhatbhateni plans to reopen these branches by the end of Ashwin. The branches in Maharajgunj, Boudha, Koteshwor, Baluwatar Warehouse, Naxal in the valley, and Pokhara, Chitwan, Hetauda, Birtamod, Damak, Biratnagar, Dharan branches outside the valley were destroyed by arson during the protests. Although not set on fire, Kalanki, Thimi, Balaju, Janakpur, Butwal, Birgunj, Dhangadhi, Itahari, Bhairahawa branches suffered vandalism and looting. Stores located in Tokha, Satdobato, Anamnagar, Sano Gaon, World Trade Center, Patan, Nepalgunj remained safe. The company has been trying to bring the business back to rhythm by prioritizing the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the damaged branches after the protests. Although the Genji protests created immediate pressure on Bhatbhateni's physical infrastructure as well as financial management and business expansion, the company is starting to return to its regular business activities within a year. Bhatbhateni has not only brought itself back to rhythm through reconstruction but has also moved forward with a plan to operate on an 'international model'. Under that plan, Bhatbhateni has also started night service at its Radhe Radhe branch in Bhaktapur.