Kathmandu, Sept. 14 -- At least 300 local units across the nation remain paralysed as the violent protests left government offices in flames, public records destroyed and elected representatives homeless. Four of the country's six metropolitan cities-Biratnagar, Birgunj, Bharatpur and Pokhara-have been devastated, with only Kathmandu and Lalitpur escaping major destruction.

"Preliminary estimates suggest that 200 to 250 municipalities have been damaged due to vandalism and arson," said Kali Prasad Parajuli, spokesperson at the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration. "The municipalities in the urban areas have suffered the worst damage."

According to Parajuli, around 250 municipalities have been affected, alongside dozens...