The current unrest in Kathmandu, marked by burning buildings and political upheaval, is not an isolated event. It is a continuation of a long-standing pattern in Nepal’s history. Each major uprising, each period of civil unrest, has been accompanied by grand promises of societal transformation. However, these promises have consistently been broken, leaving the Nepali people disillusioned and yearning for genuine change. The cycle continues: regimes fall, new leaders take power, but true social justice, equality, and a functioning democracy remain elusive, fueling further discontent.
The article delves into this recurring theme. It highlights the unfinished nature of past revolutions, where the core issues of inequality and injustice were never fully addressed. These historical failures create the conditions for future conflict. This article investigates the historical context, examining the key moments in Nepal’s struggle for change and asking whether the current situation will finally break the cycle of betrayal.
The fall of the Rana regime in 1951 marked the end of a period of autocratic rule. The Nepali Congress, leftist groups, and King Tribhuvan united to overthrow the Rana oligarchy. The king’s return to power, facilitated by India, was coupled with promises of elections and the recognition of political parties. This was heralded as a new dawn for Nepal. However, the revolution was only partial. The monarchy retained significant power, the bureaucracy remained largely unchanged, and the promise of democratic reforms was weak.
In 1959, B.P. Koirala’s government, elected through democratic means, was short-lived. King Mahendra dismissed him, dissolved parliament, and imposed the Panchayat system, effectively ending the democratic experiment and ushering in decades of authoritarian rule. The hopes raised in 1951 were dashed, and Nepal was trapped in a system of controlled democracy for three decades.
During the Panchayat era (1960-1990), political parties were banned, dissent was suppressed, and democratic voices were stifled. Frustration grew among students, laborers, and activists who were fighting for their rights. Plans for improvements in areas such as education and healthcare remained unrealized. This led to widespread discontent and the emergence of small-scale rebellions.
By the late 1980s, economic hardship, corruption, and inequality had fueled public anger. The 1990 uprising saw mass protests, resulting in casualties. Ultimately, King Birendra was forced to concede to demands for multi-party democracy. This rebellion was not solely against the monarchy. It symbolized the suppressed voices of the people and laid the groundwork for democratic consciousness in Nepal.
The 1990 constitution brought a wave of optimism. Nepal transitioned to a constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy. However, political infighting and instability plagued the years that followed. The needs of marginalized communities like Dalits, Janajati, Madhesis, and women were overlooked, and democratic gains were limited to the capital city. This reinforced the perception that real change was out of reach, leading to the rise of the Maoist insurgency.
The Maoist insurgency (1996-2006) aimed to overthrow the monarchy and establish an inclusive republic, focusing on the inequalities of caste, class, and gender. The conflict claimed over 17,000 lives. While the insurgency highlighted the grievances of marginalized communities, the government’s response was often brutal. The royal massacre of 2001 further weakened the monarchy.
The 2006 People’s Movement II marked a pivotal moment. Millions took to the streets, demanding democracy. This movement forced King Gyanendra to relinquish power, the monarchy was abolished, and Nepal was declared a republic. The Maoists entered the peace process, and constitution-making began. It was a transformative period.
The 2015 constitution, while promising federalism, secularism, and republicanism, failed to address the concerns of minority groups like the Madhesis and Tharus. A devastating earthquake in April 2015 and the subsequent Indian border blockade further exacerbated existing tensions.
Post-2015, Nepal continued to struggle with unfulfilled promises. Corruption, limited job opportunities for youth, and inadequate improvements in education and healthcare persisted. The election of Balen Shah as Kathmandu’s mayor in 2022 brought a glimmer of hope, as he implemented reforms and increased accountability. However, this did not fully resolve the country’s systemic issues.
The current unrest, sparked by the Gen-Z rebellion, reflects a deep-seated frustration with the existing system. The youth are demanding accountability, transparency, and employment opportunities. If these demands are not addressed, Nepal may face another period of instability.