Nepal is facing another political crisis as it approaches the 10th anniversary of its 2015 Constitution. Historically, the nation has experienced significant political upheavals every decade, and this milestone is no exception. A new constitutional crisis has emerged before the 2015 Constitution could be fully implemented.
The 2006 revolution culminated in the abolition of the monarchy on May 28, 2008, by the First Constituent Assembly. The Nepali Civil War began in 1996 when the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) launched an armed insurgency that lasted until 2006.
Recent deadly protests, triggered by a ban on social media platforms like Facebook and widespread political corruption, erupted in Kathmandu and other cities. The events resulted in at least 30 deaths and over 1,000 injuries, marking one of the most significant upheavals in Nepal’s modern history.
Just a day after violent clashes claimed at least 19 lives, protesters defied a curfew to set fire to the parliament building, Singha Durbar, and the residences of political leaders. Demonstrators stormed Singha Durbar, Nepal’s main administrative center for over 115 years, and set it ablaze, torching nearly all the ministries within the complex. Protesters targeted additional government buildings, the homes of political figures, the Supreme Court, the Special Court for Anti-Corruption, political party offices, police stations, and media houses, including Kantipur and Annapurna, which were also set ablaze.
KP Sharma Oli has been at an undisclosed location since resigning from the Prime Minister post. Tribhuvan International Airport, the country’s main international airport, was shut down, and the international airport in Bhairahawa was set on fire. Inmates from various prisons, including those in Kathmandu, have escaped.
To restore peace and security, the Nepal Army has been deployed across Kathmandu and other parts of the country, assuming control of security operations after the situation spiraled into chaos. Soldiers have arrested individuals involved in looting and issued warnings to protesters to return any weapons seized from security forces during the demonstrations.
The situation began to stabilize after the army took control of security operations on Tuesday night. With a curfew in place, the streets are now quiet, and the army has maintained full control of the country’s security since 10 p.m. Tuesday. The Chief of Army Staff has urged protesters to engage in negotiations to resolve the crisis.
Before the army assumed control, Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel addressed the nation, standing before a photo of Prithvi Narayan Shah and the Nepali flag. In his approximately two-minute address, he stated: “The Nepal Army has been committed to protecting Nepal’s freedom, sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, national unity, and the security of the Nepali people, even in the most difficult circumstances, since the beginning of Nepal’s history.
“As significant damage to life and property has already occurred, it is our collective responsibility as Nepalis to prevent further loss and maintain peace, security, and national harmony. It is our shared duty to normalize this difficult situation and protect the supreme interests of the nation by ensuring the safety of historical and national heritage, public and private property, all citizens, and diplomatic missions. Therefore, to guide the nation out of this crisis peacefully, we appeal to the protesting groups to suspend their activities and come to the negotiating table,” Sigdel urged.
Following President Ram Chandra Paudel’s appeal for a peaceful resolution and dialogue, preparations for talks are underway. The president urged all citizens, including protesters, to cooperate in finding a peaceful solution to the crisis.
However, uncertainty remains about who will lead the negotiations. Some are calling for Kathmandu’s Mayor, Balen Shah, to take the lead. President Paudel expressed confidence that all parties would cooperate to resolve the issues, emphasizing love for the country, its people, and democracy. He urged restraint and dialogue, noting that in a democracy, the demands of citizens, including representatives of the Gen Z movement, can be addressed through discussion.
Mayor Balen Shah urged protesters to prepare for talks with the army chief but insisted that parliament must be dissolved before any dialogue begins. Meanwhile, some youth groups have shifted discussions toward the possibility of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, the first female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, leading the negotiations.
The 2015 Constitution, a cornerstone of Nepal’s transition to a federal democratic republic, was designed to address historical grievances through federalism, inclusivity, and democratic governance. It followed a tumultuous period marked by a decade-long Maoist insurgency (1996–2006), the abolition of the monarchy, and a prolonged peace process.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) announced that it is closely monitoring the protests led by the Gen Z generation on Monday and Tuesday, as well as the ongoing situation. In a statement released on Wednesday, the NHRC urged all parties to help normalize the situation and create an environment conducive to resolving the crisis.
NHRC spokesperson Dr. Tika Ram Pokhrel stated, “The commission firmly believes that the only alternative to democracy is more democracy. Therefore, the country must find a political solution to the current uncertainty as soon as possible through democratic methods, while further strengthening and securing the rights of the people.”
Amid the ongoing crisis, the embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States in Nepal issued a joint statement on Tuesday, expressing deep sorrow over the violence in Kathmandu and other parts of the country.
The embassies reported being “deeply saddened” by the loss of life and injuries during the demonstrations, extending condolences to the victims’ families and wishing a swift recovery to those injured. The statement reaffirmed the countries’ strong support for the universal rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further escalation and to protect these fundamental rights.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
