The Nepal Message

 

LONG building public frustration against the political class in Nepal exploded into a violent uprising by students as the Himalayan nation struggles to cope up with unprecedented violence, large numbers of deaths and an anarchy-like situation. The tiny nation saw protests by young demonstrators against ban on social media turning into a mob fury as Nepal’s parliament was stormed, houses of leaders were torched and the resultant action by police caused the death of 19 young people. The country is in a deep turmoil with Prime Minister Mr. K P Sharma Oli quitting his post and the protests spreading fast outside capital Kathmandu. Monday’s protests were led by youngsters, under the banner of Gen-Z, over a ban on apps like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

 

However, the social media ban was only the tip of the pent-up anger against perceived lack of prosecution in corruption cases involving top leaders of the country. The ban on social media expressions became a trigger against the “oppressive” regime of Mr. Oli who had to finally relent and lift the gag order. However, the now-deposed PM could not stop the turbulence the political class in the country had caused over the last few years. Political situation in Nepal has been too fragile with the parties taking the revolving door to form a government. Instability has remained the hallmark in Kathmandu with the top three leaders -- Mr. K P Sharma Oli, Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” and Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba -- taking their turns to rule the country. The entire political atmosphere has remained cloaked in distrust as new coalitions are being stitched at the drop of the hat. All the political foes have been warming up to each other with the sole aim of grabbing power which had left the people disillusioned.

 

There have been failed attempts of bringing back the monarchy system too even as perceived corruption by the leaders riled the masses. The lid on the piling frustration finally blew off against the establishment and Nepal now stares at a precarious future. That the protests were not only against the social media ban by the Oli government could be gauged from the spiralling violence even after roll-back of the decision. It became the reason for an uprising, much like what happened in Bangladesh last year when students gathered to topple the ruling Hasina government. Similar protests had earlier rocked Sri Lanka too when huge mobs ransacked the Presidential palace of the Rajapaksas. Anarchy ruled the streets of both Lanka and Desh and a repeat is on, now in Nepal. Leaders in both the countries had to flee their homes and take shelter in friendly countries. What future Mr. K P Sharma Oli and other top leaders face needs to be seen now. The situation in Nepal leaves a jittery feeling for the Asian region, especially India which has too many stakes in all these three countries. New Delhi has been living a hot-and-cold relation with Kathmandu in the last few years with power changing hands frequently.

 

The Oli regime remained under the Chinese sway while under Mr. Deuba, India found an old friend. But the volatility in the landlocked nation forced India to adopt a practical approach via diplomatic channels. Now, with a repeat of the Bangladesh situation in Nepal, India will have to be on high alert and safeguard its borders and strategic interests. The frequency and magnitude of the “uprisings” in the immediate neighbourhood come with some deep messages for India even as it fights a new front on the geopolitical chess board. The rapid developments smack of a sinister design. The upheaval in Nepal definitely has roots in the corruption allegations against its political class but the possibility of a foreign hand in play cannot be ruled out.