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NEWS & LETTERS, June-July 2006Our Life and Times by Kevin A. Barry and Mitch WeerthNepal revoltIn April, Nepal experienced a mass revolutionary upheaval that has restored parliamentary democracy after more than a year of absolutist rule by King Gyanendra. The protests maintained themselves for three weeks, despite pervasive police violence, which resulted in the murder of 19 freedom fighters. By the end of April, the daily demonstrations, even in the face of curfews and "shoot to kill" orders, were beginning to draw 100,000 people in the capital, Katmandu. The protests were called by parliamentary political parties (from Gandhians to Communists), by students, and by the Maoist guerrilla movement. Last fall, the Maoists signed an agreement with the parliamentary parties, calling for a republic. The real strength of this movement came from below, however. As the NEPALI TIMES wrote in early April: "This is a surprising uprising: even without the parties, neighborhoods have got together to set up road blockades, stoning police and pouring into the streets to defy curfews. Each day that passes, the pro-democracy chariot is picking up momentum." By the end of April, as the king was forced to restore parliament, the parliamentary opposition began to assume power. While parliament has reached a truce with the Maoists, it is unclear if the royalist army will follow its orders. Elections for a constituent assembly that could form a republic are also in the works. But the mass movement of April has definitely created a new political and social dynamic. This is a country wracked by poverty, landlordism, caste and class oppression, and the subjugation of women. It is unclear if a merely political change will be accepted. |
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