Nepal, April 9 — Even though there have been alterations in the systems, the quality of life for individuals remains unchanged, resulting in rising discontent towards political entities and governmental authorities. Exploiting this escalating exasperation within society, multiple political organizations and splinter groups have gained momentum in their campaigns advocating for the annulment of the constitution established by the Constituent Assembly along with demands for reinstating the monarchy.
To defend this stance, groups such as the CPN (Maoist Centre) have voiced their robust support for a federal democratic republic and have joined the demonstrations. This movement extends beyond just those two factions; numerous occupational associations, along with aggrieved members of cooperatives and microfinance participants carrying distinct grievances, are presently participating in protest activities throughout Kathmandu.
Supporters of monarchy, opposed to both federalism and republican ideals, found encouragement from King Gyanendra Shah’s congratulatory statement released on February 18. Capitalizing on increasing public discontent and exasperation towards political groups, these monarchists organized a demonstration in Tinkune, Kathmandu, on March 28.
The calm demonstration, described as being entirely peaceful, escalated into chaos, leading to fatalities—two individuals lost their lives, among them a reporter—and resulted in extensive property damage totaling several million rupees. Authorities have launched an investigation and arrested twenty persons, including high-ranking officials such as Rabindra Mishra, the acting deputy chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), and Dhawal Shamser Rana, who holds the position of general secretary; both were charged with instigating violence during the rally.
Following up from the demonstration organized at Tinkune on March 28 by the Joint People’s Movement Committee (JPMC) headed initially by Navaraj Subedi but now spearheaded by Jagman Gurung, further protests have been scheduled in Kathmandu this coming Wednesday. Additionally, the political party Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal, which is under Kamal Thapa’s leadership, has declared its backing for these demonstrations.
Likewise, the RPP, which endorsed the initiative on March 28, organized an awareness gathering in the capital city on Tuesday. The organization has previously declared its intention to initiate a sustained campaign starting April 20, aimed at advocating for systemic improvements to benefit the populace.
Critics of both federalism and the republican form of government, such as royalists, along with the socialist coalition headed by the principal opposition party, the CPN (Maoist Centre), organized a demonstration in the city on March 28th. This group has declared its willingness to mobilize protests anytime to safeguard the constitution, which upholds the principles of a federal democratic republic.
The Rastriya Janamorcha has similarly initiated an independent campaign. Under the leadership of Chitra Bahadur KC, the party has proclaimed a seven-day demonstration in Kathmandu starting from April 6 through April 12. Their demands include safeguarding the republic and promoting nationalism, along with calling for the elimination of federalism.
The Aam Janata Party has similarly taken to the roads. Led by Prabhu Sah, this party has declared a campaign against political organizations responsible for constructing a vast edifice of theft and graft under the guise of democratic governance. They have persistently organized demonstrations in public spaces via different collectives and citizens from multiple occupational backgrounds.
As political parties take to the streets with their grievances and demands, numerous professional associations, groups, and people from varied sectors have also decided to join the protests. At present, over half a dozen professional and other entities, such as medical practitioners and educators, are rallying in the nation’s capital.
Residents from private medical institutions have taken to the roads, insisting that they be granted allowances according to governmental directives. These resident physicians initiated their demonstration outside, stating that the resolution passed by the Medical Education Commission on February 7 has yet to be enforced.
The administration has opted to grant a monthly stipend of Rs 48,000 to resident physicians engaged in PG medical studies at private medical institutions. Nonetheless, these private medical schools have offered their resident doctors stipends below Rs 20,000 even though they work over 120 hours each week.
Physicians affiliated with KIST and Nepal Medical College in Kathmandu, along with staff from Chitwan Medical College, College of Medical Sciences in Chitwan, Nepalgunj Medical College, and Lumbini Medical College, are staging demonstrations at their individual hospital locations and organizing marches. These protesting doctors report that rather than tackling their concerns, administrators from private medical colleges have begun employing aggressive and coercive rhetoric.
Likewise, the Nepal Teachers Association (NTA) is involved in a demonstration driven by professional grievances. Under the leadership of the NTA, educators from all over the nation have assembled in Kathmandu, urging for both the introduction of a new educational policy and ensuring it meets their requirements. Since April 2nd, these teachers have been organizing public demonstrations on the streets.
Even though the government has requested negotiations, the NTA has declined the offer. The Legislation to Revise and Combine Regulations Concerning School Education, 2080, has already been submitted to the House of Representatives. Teachers have put forth demands such as taking education out of local governance, asserting that this contravenes the constitutional framework.
Individuals affected by microfinance institutions and cooperatives have assembled in Kathmandu, calling for the recovery of their missing savings and addressing various connected concerns. However, the authorities have not taken significant steps to address their requests for the restitution of their misplaced deposits.
Rabindra Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), together with several co-defendants, is presently accused of embezzling cooperative funds and continues to remain under police detention. Nonetheless, it’s unclear when this matter will reach resolution or what path toward justice might unfold for those affected. In response to their leader Lamichhane being rearrested, the RSP has launched an initiative known as ‘Jana Yatra’.
After the government dismissed Kulman Ghishing from his role as Managing Director at the Nepal Electricity Authority, his followers have taken to protests, insisting on his return to office.
One could contend that the escalating discontent within the nation stems from the diminishing faith and trust in governmental institutions. As various groups continue to protest, allegations arise suggesting that rather than addressing grievances via conversations and dialogues with those expressing concerns, the administration is allegedly instigating further unrest and mobilizing people for demonstrations.
Rajendra Lingden, chairman of the RPP, has cautioned that should the government fail to show improvement, they plan to surround the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar and cut off supplies of food and water. Addressing an awareness gathering hosted by the RPP in Kathmandu on Tuesday, he stated, “Once more, I’m saying that if the government doesn’t get better, our response won’t involve gunfire; however, we could blockade Baluwatar and halt provisions like food and water. Take this into consideration.”
Published by HT Digital Content Services with authorization from Republica.
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