Nepal’s Conflict Between the Public and the Government: A Deep Dive
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When we hear about Nepal, the first things that often come to mind are the Himalayas, Mount Everest, and beautiful cultural diversity. Yet behind these natural wonders lies a long story of struggle between the public and the government. For decades, Nepali citizens have demanded justice, equality, and accountability, while governments—whether monarchies, coalitions, or republic administrations—have often failed to deliver. This ongoing conflict has shaped modern Nepal and continues to influence the everyday lives of its people.
In this blog, we will explore the roots of this conflict, the major events that defined it, and the ongoing challenges that keep the tension alive.
Historical Background: Where It All Began
To understand the current friction between Nepali citizens and their government, we need to step back into history. For centuries, Nepal was ruled by monarchs. The king was not just the political ruler but also considered a symbol of national unity. However, as the world moved towards democracy in the 20th century, Nepalis too started demanding participation in governance.
The First People’s Movement (1990)
By the late 1980s, frustrations had reached a breaking point. The people wanted democracy, political rights, and freedom from absolute monarchy. The Jana Andolan I (People’s Movement of 1990) forced King Birendra to accept a constitutional monarchy with multiparty democracy. This was a huge victory for the people, but it was just the beginning of a longer struggle.
The Maoist Insurgency: War Between Citizens and the State
One of the most violent phases of Nepal’s conflict was the Maoist Insurgency (1996–2006). The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) launched an armed rebellion, accusing the state of ignoring rural communities, poor farmers, and marginalized ethnic groups.
The insurgency demanded:
- An end to the monarchy.
- Land reforms.
- Rights for women, Dalits, Madhesis, and Janajatis.
- A people’s republic system.
This decade-long conflict cost the lives of more than 17,000 people and displaced thousands. It created an atmosphere of fear and instability. For the general public, the government became associated with corruption, violence, and suppression, while the Maoists were both feared and admired as champions of the oppressed.
The 2006 Revolution and the Fall of Monarchy
The turning point came with Jana Andolan II in 2006. People took to the streets in massive numbers, protesting against King Gyanendra’s direct rule. The king was forced to step down, and a peace deal between the Maoists and mainstream political parties brought the insurgency to an end.
In 2008, Nepal was declared a federal democratic republic, officially abolishing the monarchy. This was seen as a victory for the people. Yet, the dream of equality and justice was far from fulfilled.
The 2015 Constitution and Public Backlash
After years of debate, Nepal finally adopted a new constitution in 2015. While it was celebrated by some as a milestone, it triggered anger among Madhesi, Tharu, and Janajati communities, who felt excluded and underrepresented in the federal system.
This led to protests in the Terai region, where dozens were killed in clashes with police. Many communities accused the government of being dominated by hill elites while ignoring the voices of marginalized groups.
Adding fuel to the fire, an unofficial blockade at the India-Nepal border worsened the crisis, creating shortages of fuel, medicine, and goods. Ordinary citizens once again saw their government as weak, corrupt, and incapable of protecting public interests.
Why Does the Conflict Persist?
Even though Nepal has a democratic system today, tensions between the public and government are far from over. Some major reasons include:
1. Corruption and Mismanagement
Nepal frequently ranks poorly in corruption perception indexes. Nepalis often feel that politicians focus more on power-sharing deals than public service. Scandals involving misuse of funds, especially in post-earthquake reconstruction, have deepened mistrust.
2. Unemployment and Migration
Millions of young Nepalis leave the country every year to work abroad, mainly in the Gulf and Malaysia. This trend reflects the lack of jobs at home. The government promises development, but opportunities remain limited, leaving citizens frustrated.
3. Ethnic and Regional Inequality
The federal system was supposed to empower all communities, but marginalized groups still complain of unequal representation. Ethnic and regional identities continue to clash with centralized decision-making.
4. Political Instability
Nepal has seen frequent changes in government—sometimes several within a single year. Coalition politics and infighting among leaders have stalled progress. For ordinary people, this feels like a betrayal of democratic promises.
5. Disaster Response Failures
The 2015 earthquake killed nearly 9,000 people and destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes. Citizens were left waiting for years for aid and reconstruction. Many blame inefficiency and corruption in government handling of disaster relief.
Public Response: Protests and Activism
Whenever frustrations boil over, Nepali citizens have taken to the streets. From student unions to farmer protests, from women’s rights movements to Madhesi demonstrations, people continue to use protest as a tool to pressure the government.
The internet and social media have also given younger generations a louder voice. Platforms like Facebook and TikTok are now spaces where government actions are criticized, and public campaigns are organized.
The Positive Side: Gains Achieved
Despite the ongoing conflict, it’s important to recognize progress:
- Nepal successfully transitioned from monarchy to republic.
- The Maoist insurgency ended with a peace agreement, avoiding further bloodshed.
- Federalism has at least opened doors for local governance, giving villages and municipalities more power.
- Civil society, media, and youth activism are stronger than ever before.
These gains show that while the struggle has been painful, it has also led to greater awareness and political maturity among citizens.
The Road Ahead: What Needs to Change
If Nepal wants to heal the conflict between government and people, several steps are crucial:
- Strengthen Accountability – Strong anti-corruption measures and transparent governance are essential.
- Inclusive Policies – Ensure that all ethnic, regional, and marginalized groups are equally represented.
- Economic Opportunities – Create jobs, encourage entrepreneurship, and reduce dependence on foreign labor markets.
- Stable Politics – Political parties must put aside power struggles and focus on long-term development.
- Efficient Disaster Management – Lessons from the earthquake and COVID-19 must be used to prepare better for future crises.
Conclusion
The conflict between the public and government in Nepal is not just about politics—it is about trust. For decades, citizens have fought for their rights, often at great personal cost. The government, meanwhile, has struggled with corruption, instability, and inequality.
Yet, despite all the challenges, the Nepali people remain resilient. From overthrowing monarchy to shaping their own constitution, they have shown remarkable courage. The road to true democracy and harmony may still be long, but the foundation has been laid.
The ultimate solution lies in bridging the gap between leaders and the people—through honesty, inclusion, and genuine service. Only then can Nepal’s mountains not just be a symbol of natural beauty but also of political stability and social justice.
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