Nepal Cannot Become Bangladesh or Sri Lanka: A Reflection on Recent Political Unrest

 Kathmandu, Nepal – The recent political unrest in Nepal, particularly in areas like Three Kune and the actions of royalists, has raised questions regarding the country’s future. The recent violent incidents during protests in Kathmandu reminded many of the chaotic days of the monarchy, evoking memories of the past when similar violence and destruction took place in the streets.

One prominent journalist, recalling an earlier Facebook post, said, “Every time I see people on the streets during protests, I feel that society becomes more dynamic. Whether they are monarchists or republicans, a crowd on the streets pushes the momentum of society forward.” However, in today’s context, the writer admits that the once exhilarating feeling of witnessing street movements has now faded. The short-term intellectual satisfaction gained by a few individuals at the cost of public suffering no longer excites the writer.

The article takes a deep dive into the idea of whether Nepal could turn into a Bangladesh or Sri Lanka, as feared by some. This concern was further exacerbated by comments from royalists who openly discussed the prospect of restoring the monarchy and even suggested that Nepal could follow the path of countries like Bangladesh, Syria, or Sri Lanka if things didn't change.

A Step Back into History: The 2005 Rebellion and Its Impact

In an eerie reminder of past events, the recent violence in Kathmandu brought back memories of the 2005 uprising when private property was destroyed, and several media personnel were injured. In that period, journalists were burned alive, businesses were raided, and innocent people suffered in the name of political and ideological struggles. During this time, journalists such as Suraj Rajak, who were covering the unrest, became victims of political violence.

Durga Prasai, a prominent royalist figure, was also involved in the violence, with reports indicating he was driving an uncontrolled vehicle, nearly hitting police officers. Moreover, attacks on media houses such as Kanthipur and Annapurna Post were reported, further highlighting the atmosphere of lawlessness and chaos during those days.

In addition to the aforementioned events, protests led by royalists were also marked by attacks on party offices, public transportation, and widespread assault on innocent citizens. Even though prominent political leaders like Ravi Lamichhane tried to moderate their positions and offered a softer stance on royalists, their efforts were met with rejection, and royalist supporters continued their aggressive stance, even going as far as setting fire to vehicles.

The Question of Monarchy’s Role in Nepal’s Future

Looking back at the monarchy and the role of King Gyanendra, the writer draws attention to the numerous incidents and policies that took place during his reign. King Gyanendra’s use of military force to imprison an elected prime minister, cutting off media freedoms, and bringing the entire country into chaos are still fresh memories for many. The writer suggests that modern-day politicians and the public should learn from those dark days in Nepal’s history.

Many senior political figures, including former political leaders, have described King Gyanendra as short-sighted and self-centered, whose reign contributed to Nepal’s downfall. Among the many books published by former royalists and high-ranking politicians, the personal stories shared by figures such as Nawaraj Suvedi and Bhesh Bahadur Thapa shed light on the detrimental effects of his actions on the nation’s stability.

The article emphasizes that the real challenge for Nepal today is not only the discussion of restoring the monarchy but also the need for intellectual and political clarity about the country's direction. History and the lessons from the past, including the 2005 turmoil, must guide the new generation as they work toward a better future.

Social Media: A Distraction from Critical Thinking

The rapid spread of opinions on social media platforms, especially TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, has distracted many from reflecting on the true state of Nepal’s political situation. The ease of accessing 60-second videos and memes on these platforms has made it difficult for many to engage in meaningful discussions about the country’s future.

The writer urges the younger generation to invest more time in reading history and understanding the long-term effects of their political decisions. It is important to look beyond the instant gratification of social media trends and focus on the larger picture, which includes critical thinking and engaging with historical context.

Monarchy vs. Republic: A Lesson for the Future

While it is easy to criticize the current political leadership, such as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, former Prime Ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the writer believes the key issue lies in learning from the mistakes of the monarchy. King Gyanendra’s lack of foresight and inability to adapt to the changing political landscape played a significant role in the fall of the monarchy.

The article concludes by emphasizing that Nepal should not look to countries like Bangladesh or Sri Lanka as models for its future. Instead, it calls for reforms that ensure a more stable and prosperous nation. It urges citizens to be mindful of the past and to avoid being led astray by fleeting ideologies and movements that may only lead to destruction and chaos.