NEPAL IS BURNING WITH DEPENDENCE ON EXTERNAL INCOME AND HOPELESSNESS, BAN OF SOCIAL MEDIA BECOMS EXPLOSIVE

NEPAL IS BURNING WITH DEPENDENCE ON EXTERNAL INCOME AND HOPELESSNESS, BAN OF SOCIAL MEDIA BECOMS EXPLOSIVE

12-SEP-ENG 9

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-------------------------The youth movement that started against the ban on social media in Nepal shook the country's politics. From the capital Kathmandu to many cities, the protests took a violent turn. From constitutional institutions like the Parliament House and the Supreme Court to the houses of leaders, there was arson. There are neither jobs nor other opportunities for the youth here. The ban on internet media made the youth, who is burning in the fire of his aspirations, explosive.*

The immediate reason for the rebellion of the youth against the corruption of the government and leaders in Nepal was the ban on internet media. However, a major reason behind this is the economy dependent on remittances. Nepal is largely dependent on the income of its citizens working outside the country.

There are neither jobs nor other opportunities for the youth here. The ban on internet media made the youth, who is burning in the fire of his aspirations, explosive. This generation has grown up with the internet and is ready to try every way to get what it wants.

The youth movement that started against the restrictions on social media in Nepal shook the country's politics. From the capital Kathmandu to many cities, the protests took a violent turn. From constitutional institutions like the Parliament House and the Supreme Court to the houses of leaders, there was arson.

The situation worsened so much that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and many ministers had to leave the country. However, now the army has come on the streets to bring the situation under control and efforts to restore peace have been intensified.

The role of four faces is considered to be the most important in this turmoil. These include the names of Sudan Gurung, Balendra (Balen) Shah, Rabi Lamichhane and Sushila Karki.

The first name that comes is that of Sudan Gurung. Sudan, who left the event management and nightlife industry and is engaged in social work, founded the NGO 'Hami Nepal' during the 2015 earthquake. He was also in the news for his relief work during the Covid pandemic.

He became a youth leader with the 'Enough is Enough' movement of 2020. He played a major role in giving direction to the protests against social media restrictions. He appealed to the students to protest peacefully by wearing school uniforms and carrying books. When the government got the police to use force, Sudan immediately demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Oli.

The second prominent face is Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah. Civil engineer and rap artist turned politician Balendra Shah was elected mayor as an independent candidate in 2022 and is very popular among the youth. In 2023, Time magazine included him in the top 100 emerging leaders.

Shah is very active on social media. That is why the younger generation is deeply connected to him. He openly supported the Gen-G movement through a Facebook post and appealed to political parties not to take political advantage of this movement. His tough image against corruption and confrontation with the Oli government established him as the hope of the youth.

The third big face includes the name of Rabi Lamichhane. After gaining popularity as a journalist and TV anchor, he formed the Rashtriya Swatantra Party in 2022 and won 20 seats in the elections. He also became the Home Minister, but went to jail after being caught in the cooperative fund scam.

Despite this, his party openly supported the youth movement and the MPs put pressure on the government by resigning together. The strength of the movement grew so much that the youth also played a role in getting him released from jail.

The name of former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal Sushila Karki is also included in giving a strong voice to this movement. Born in 1952, Karki has been the first woman Chief Justice of Nepal. She gave many historic decisions during her tenure.

During the agitation, she herself came out on the streets and called the government's firing a 'murder'. After this, the youth started a signature campaign to make her the interim Prime Minister, in which more than 2500 supporters were gathered on the condition of 1000 signatures.