Streets Turn into Battlegrounds
Kathmandu, the political and cultural heart of Nepal, witnessed a day of turmoil as mass protests spiraled into violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. What began as an anti-government rally against unemployment, corruption, and economic hardship soon descended into open confrontation in the capital’s streets.
A Nation on the Brink
The unrest is more than a spontaneous outburst—it reflects long-simmering frustrations. Protesters, largely unemployed youth, accused the Oli-led coalition of failing on promises of economic reform and transparency. Critics say the government has faltered in curbing corruption and reviving the economy.
Anger boiled over as protesters vandalized symbols of power, attacking and even setting fire to the residences of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, President Ram Chandra Paudel, and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. The violence left at least 21 dead and over 400 injured, prompting authorities to enforce nighttime curfews across Kathmandu and other major cities. Despite the government’s appeals for peace and dialogue, public response has been muted.
Echoes of Monarchy and Religious Identity
The upheaval has reignited calls for the restoration of Nepal’s monarchy and the re-declaration of the nation as Hindu. Demonstrators chanted, “We want a monarchy, not a republic,” reflecting deep dissatisfaction with Nepal’s democratic experiment since 2008.
Businessman-turned-political activist Durga Parsai has played a pivotal role in reviving monarchist sentiment. His fiery speeches resonate with disillusioned youth who feel neglected by political elites. Attendance at his rallies continues to swell, revealing a growing appetite for alternative leadership.
Lessons for India
For Indian observers, Nepal’s crisis is a cautionary tale of how economic distress and political disenchantment can fuel mass unrest. The youth-driven protests echo India’s 2011 anti-corruption movement, though Nepal’s situation is far more violent and destabilizing.
Given the cultural and geopolitical proximity, India has much at stake. A fragile Nepal risks unsettling the Himalayan frontier, making stability in Kathmandu not just a domestic issue but a regional imperative.