Question

How did the struggle of the Nepali people become a source of inspiration to democrats all over the world? Explain.

Answer 1

Nepal witnessed an extraordinary popular movement in April 2006. This movement aimed at restoring democracy in Nepal.

After the death of the King Birendra in 2001,the new King Gyanendra was not prepared to accept democratic rule.

As a result, in February 2005, the king dismissed the then Prime Minister and dissolved the popularly elected Parliament.

The movement of 2006 was aimed at regaining popular control over the government from the king. All the major political parties in Parliament (Seven Party Alliance of Nepal) called for a 4 day strike and this protest soon turned into indefinite strike in which many other organisations joined hands.

People defied curfew and took to the streets. Even the security forces could not control them as more than 1 lakh people gathered almost every day to demand restoration of democracy.

They stuck to their demands for restoration of parliament, power to an all – party government and a new constituent assembly.

On the last day of this protest movement, the king was forced to accept all the demands of the movement. As a result, SPA chose Girija Prasad Koirala as Prime Minister and the restored parliament passed laws taking away most of the powers of the king.

This movement was known as Nepal's second struggle for democracy. This struggle of Nepali people is the source of inspiration to democrats all over the world.