Question

Explain the several struggles ofNepali people for democracy.

Answer 1

Nepal witnessed an extraordinary popular movement in April 2006, which aimed at restoring democracy. This struggle is a source of inspiration to democrats all over the world. All major political parties in the Parliament formed a Seven Party Alliance (SPA) called for a four day strike in Kathmandu, the country’s capital. This protest soon turned into an indefinite strike in which Maoist insurgents and various organisation joined hands. People were determined and defied curfew and took to the streets. They demanded restoration of parliament, power to an all-party government and a new constituent assembly resisting all the restrictions that were imposed on them. As a result, on 24 April 2006, that is, the last day of the ultimatum, the king was forced to concede all the demands of people and democracy was restored.