Why is Kathmandu Burning ? Protests, Youth Unrest in Nepal

Why in the News?

• Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, was engulfed in flames after violent anti-government protests.
• Police firing killed 19 young protesters, leading to chaos and large-scale arson.
• Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned, and President Ram Chandra Poudel went into Army protection at an undisclosed location.
• Protesters, largely from Generation Z, expressed anger against corruption, political instability, and lack of opportunities.

Background

• Until 1951, Nepal was ruled by hereditary Rana prime ministers; the monarchy continued till 2008.
• 1961: King Mahendra imposed the “Panchayat” system, centralising power.
• 1990: Popular “People’s Movement” restored multi-party democracy.
• 1996–2006: Maoist insurgency killed 17,000 people; monarchy abolished in 2008.
• 2015: New Constitution adopted; Nepal became a federal democratic republic.
• Since 2008, Nepal has had 14 governments in 17 years, none completing a full 5-year term.

Feature

• The current protests were driven by young Nepalis (Gen Z, born between 1996 and 2012).
• Anger was targeted at entrenched political elites, corruption, and unemployment.
• Protesters attacked parliament, party offices, and leaders’ residences, including Oli and Prachanda.
• The movement was mobilised through social media campaigns under groups like “Next Generation Nepal.”
• Military helicopters rescued top politicians from mob attacks.

Challenge

• Political Instability: Frequent government collapses; no political continuity.
• Corruption: Political parties are perceived as self-serving and disconnected from youth.
• Youth Discontent: Lack of jobs and economic prospects fuelling radical protest movements.
• Weak Institutions: Security forces’ violent response escalated unrest.
• Monarchy vs Republic Debate: Pro-monarchy factions pushing for a return to the Shah monarchy.
• Ethnic & Regional Divides: Multiparty rivalries deepen instability, making governance fragile.

Way Forward

• Political Reforms: Build consensus for stable governance and reduce party fragmentation.
• Address Corruption: Strong accountability and judicial independence to investigate political corruption.
• Youth Inclusion: Policies for job creation, skill development, and political participation of young citizens.
• Dialogue & Peacebuilding: Encourage peaceful protest resolution, avoid excessive force, and initiate structured political dialogue.
• Strengthening Democracy: Protect constitutional values, avoid authoritarian tendencies, and improve federal governance mechanisms.

Conclusion

Nepal’s turmoil highlights the deep frustration of its younger generation with entrenched political instability and corruption. Unless leaders move beyond personal rivalries and power struggles to focus on governance, inclusivity, and accountability, Nepal risks sliding into prolonged unrest. The Kathmandu protests are not just about Oli’s resignation-they are a warning sign of a generational demand for a new political culture in Nepal.

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Question: The recent protests in Kathmandu reflect the deepening frustration of Nepal’s youth with political instability and corruption. Discuss the historical roots of Nepal’s political instability and suggest measures to ensure democratic stability and youth inclusion in governance.

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION