- Since times immemorial, humanity has witnessed several uprisings that not only altered the course of a particular nation but also paved the way for something bigger for the whole universe itself. History is replete with numerous instances of how commoners joining hands brought down some of the most powerful dynasties/emperors/autocrats/authoritarians when sustained campaigns undertaken by determined people overthrew those regimes in a matter of time. Yes, history is also replete with a tremendous amount of bloodshed, deaths, sacrifices, and cruelty when the powerful mounted resistance to thwart uprisings. Invariably, the collective voices of people prevailed, bringing down hitherto considered high and mighty after a while.
PC: The Statesman
- The situation is not different either in the modern-day world, where revolutionary uprisings continue to occur when people fed up with sustained oppressions do not wish to take it any longer by launching crusades to oust authoritarian governments and cruel/inhuman/insensitive leadership. Similar scenes were redolent recently in neighbourhood Nepal courtesy of the broken economy and its strongman leader, far removed from the ground realities. Kathmandu is on the boil with the government being taken over by the army when the youth-led protests across the country forced the inevitable. Unfortunately, more than 20 people have died during the Gen-Z group Hami Nepal led protests, with scores joining the campaign so seamlessly.
PC: India Today
- The trigger was the recent ban on 26 media platforms, which had to be reversed. Most interestingly, the protests continued even after the media ban was lifted, with the youth unrelenting in their demand to address allegations of widespread corruption. Protests turned violent when a group forcibly entered the Parliament complex, leading to skirmishes with law enforcement and firing. PM KP Sharma Oli has resigned. Over the last few years, Nepal’s musical chair coalition govts have engendered much frustration within Nepalese society. Many now question the transition to parliamentary democracy and reminisce about the erstwhile monarchy. The three main political parties, with their entrenched leaders, are viewed as a self-serving cabal.
PC: Prameya News
- Under their watch, Nepal’s economy has suffered and is yet to recover from the effects of the pandemic. Despair over a lack of opportunities, particularly for Nepal’s youth, was waiting to bubble over. The Gen-Z are not going to let their aspirations be trampled by the extremely parochial and entirely outdated viewpoints of geriatric leaders who are apparently not in sync with the present-day world. Since the democratically elected government is displaced, what will be the eventual outcome for a landlocked country sandwiched between two South Asian giants like India and China would be interestingly viewed by the global community. Indian leadership should tread cautiously here by extending support without antagonizing the popular sentiments of the people.
