Nepal Unravels: Protesters Set Fire to Parliament as Prime Minister Resigns

Strategic Insights -

Shocking scenes unfolded in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, as protesters set fire to the parliament, attacked politicians, and set fire to the airport. The prime minister has resigned, and the situation remains volatile. NPR's Diaa Hadid reports from Mumbai, where protesters are furious over the killing of 19 protesters by security forces on Monday.

Key Takeaways:

  • The situation in Nepal is unprecedented, with protesters targeting the entire political class, not just the current leadership or ruling coalition.
  • The protesters are demanding justice for the killing of 19 protesters by security forces on Monday, and are criticizing the government for acting with impunity.
  • The government shut down most social media platforms on Thursday, sparking outrage among Nepalis who saw it as an attempt to silence them.
  • The protesters, who are predominantly students, are calling for the government to take responsibility for the lives lost and to address the country's deepening economic and social inequalities.
  • A protester, Soni Kumar, was interviewed by Hadid, saying she wants politicians to be "shot dead" because they have "killed so many innocent lives".
  • The Nepali army has issued a warning to protesters to stand down and to take control of the situation, but it is unclear what this means in practice.
  • Human rights activists have criticized Nepali forces for acting with impunity in the past, and the current crisis has exposed the deep-seated grievances of the Nepali people.
  • The protesters are also angry about the extravagant lifestyles of the children of politicians, who post images of their luxury goods on social media, sparking outrage among the broader population.

Statistics:

  • 19 protesters were killed by security forces on Monday.
  • The protesters are demanding a monthly wage of $85 (Soni Kumar's current income) to support their studies.
  • The majority of Nepalese people make less than $2,500 a year.
  • Social media platforms were shut down by the government on Thursday, sparking outrage among Nepalis.

Sources:

  • NPR's Diaa Hadid reporting from Mumbai
  • Unidentified activist from the Nepo Kids campaign
  • Ashish Pradhan from the International Crisis Group
  • Soni Kumar, protester