Staff Correspondent
In the Himalayan nation of Nepal, nestled between India and China, the ongoing protests have become the most violent in recent years—even surpassing the 2006 people’s movement. That movement left 18 people dead, ultimately leading to the fall of the monarchy and the declaration of a republic in 2008.
Yet, even after one and a half decades of republican rule, political stability has remained elusive. Since 2008, Nepal has already seen the formation of 13 different governments. Frequent regime changes have eroded public trust and fueled political uncertainty.
As recently as March this year, protests were held in Kathmandu demanding the restoration of the monarchy, during which clashes with police left two people dead. But the current Generation Z-led movement has overshadowed all previous demonstrations.
On Monday, the government attempted to quell the uprising with rubber bullets, water cannons, and live ammunition, killing at least 19 people. Even the imposition of curfews failed to contain the unrest, as ordinary citizens joined forces with the youth. As a result, the Prime Minister and at least three ministers were forced to resign.
Still, the situation has not calmed down. Protesters have attacked and set fire to government buildings, the President’s residence, and the homes of the Prime Minister and other ministers. Analysts note that the demonstrators’ demand is no longer limited to the Prime Minister’s resignation—they are now calling for the complete dissolution of the government. This, they warn, could plunge Nepal into even deeper political uncertainty.
Source: Al Jazeera