case study on popular struggles and movements
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Popular Struggles and Movements
Movement for Democracy in Nepal
In April 2006, Nepal experienced an extraordinary popular movement. The agenda of the movement was to restore democracy. People fought to regain popular control over the government from the king.
Nepal is a third wave country. It won democracy in 1990. Post that, the king used to formally the head of the state but the real power was exercised by the elected representatives. The king Birendra accepted this transition from absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. Sadly, he and his entire family were massacred in 2001.
The new king appointed was King Gyanendra. He, however, was not ready to accept the democratic rule. On February 2005 he dismissed the Prime minister and dissolved the popularly elected Parliament.
Understand the Importance and Need of Parliament here in detail.
Events During the Popular Revolt
All the existing political parties formed an alliance i.e. the Seven party alliances–SPA. They called for a four-day strike in Kathmandu. In the following days, the protests turned into an indefinite strike. In this strike, the Maoist and various organizations joined hands.
Nepalis defied curfews and took to streets. Every day over lacs of people gathered and raised demands for the restoration of democracy. On 21 April, people served an ultimatum to the king. The leaders rejected the halfhearted concessions given by the king and struck to their demands. Their demands were:
Restoration of parliament
Power to an all-party govt.
New constituent assembly