KATHMANDU: Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has sharply criticized both the government and the protesting teachers, warning that their actions are putting the education of nearly five million students at risk.
In a social media statement, Dr. Bhattarai condemned both parties, calling their behavior during the ongoing teachers’ protest deeply disappointing and unacceptable.
Drawing a powerful analogy, he questioned why peaceful dialogue couldn’t resolve the current standoff:
“If even brutal and destructive wars can be settled through negotiation, why can’t the dispute between the nation’s guardian—the government—and teachers, who spread the light of knowledge, be resolved through meaningful talks and mutual patience?”
Dr. Bhattarai suggested that, if unable to meet all demands immediately, the government should prioritize the implementation of earlier commitments and set a timeline for addressing the rest.
Speaking to teachers, he reminded them of their ethical and cultural duty, quoting the spiritual notion of teachers as divine figures:
“As bearers of the responsibility symbolized by ‘Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Gurudev Maheshwar’, educators should act in the best interest of students. Suspending the agitation until after the Class 12 exams and enrollment period wouldn’t bring harm—but would show commitment to students’ futures.”
He ended with a warning that resonated deeply: “If this internal conflict leads to the total collapse of already struggling public education and drives away our youth, history will hold everyone accountable.”
Dr. Bhattarai’s remarks follow escalating tensions as the standoff between the government and teachers’ unions continues to disrupt schools nationwide.
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