KATHMANDU: The past week in Nepal has been marked by a blend of political maneuvering, significant law enforcement developments, and diplomatic engagement.
As protests loom on the horizon, the government faces both internal and external challenges that will test its leadership and ability to navigate the country’s volatile political climate.
Political tensions and protests
The planned street protests on March 28 involving both royalists and communists signal the rising tensions in Nepal’s political discourse. On one hand, the pro-monarchy group, led by figures like Durga Prasai, continues to gain traction among a segment of the population that seeks the restoration of the monarchy.
This has been seen in previous rallies, notably the one on March 9 that welcomed former King Gyanendra Shah back into the limelight. Prasai’s declaration that this is a “decisive time” to restore the monarchy has further galvanized the royalist camp.
With the Nepali month of Chaitra historically being a period of heightened protests, the potential for violent clashes between royalists and republicans cannot be ignored.
Meanwhile, the Socialist Front, which is led by the Maoist Center and aligned with communist forces, is also staging a protest on the same day.
This show of force is largely a response to the growing royalist movement, and it serves to reaffirm the commitment of the left-wing factions to uphold Nepal’s federal democratic republic, a system that was ushered in with the abolition of the monarchy in 2008.
The challenge facing the government is not just the question of managing the protests but also navigating the ideological divide between royalists and republicans.
With no immediate political changes expected and both sides becoming increasingly entrenched in their views, the government must deploy tact and restraint.
How the government reacts to these protests will likely set the tone for the upcoming months and could influence future elections or even shape the ongoing debate about Nepal’s political future.
Appointment of Deepak Thapa as IGP
A significant event this week was the appointment of Deepak Thapa as the new Inspector General of Nepal Police, a key position that comes at a critical time. As protests escalate and security concerns mount, Thapa’s leadership will be tested.
The new Inspector General’s appointment is noteworthy not only because of the timing but also due to the recent criminal activities that have made headlines in Nepal.
The arrest of truck driver Kushan Lama, who was found with illegal currency worth Rs 250 million and was previously convicted for gold smuggling, underscores the ongoing challenges that Nepal faces in combating organized crime and illegal activities.
As a former head of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Thapa is expected to bring a more robust approach to dealing with these security issues, particularly as the nation grapples with rising political instability.
Moreover, as Nepal’s police force steps up its preparedness to handle the protests on March 28, the question of maintaining law and order while respecting citizens’ right to protest will remain a fine line for Thapa and his officers.
Any overreach or mishandling of the situation could spark further unrest and discontent.
Diplomatic Engagements
Nepal’s diplomatic activity has been active as well. Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana’s meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the Raisina Dialogue 2025 marked a positive step in Nepal-India relations.
While the bilateral meeting was fruitful in terms of discussing ongoing engagements in areas such as trade, water resources, and people-to-people exchanges, it is important to remember that Nepal-India ties have long been marked by occasional tension, especially over border issues and energy cooperation.
Minister Rana’s reaffirmation of Nepal’s commitment to India’s Neighbourhood First Policy serves to assure India of Nepal’s intentions to maintain strong and stable relations.
However, the ongoing border disputes and challenges surrounding the exchange of visits will continue to test the depth of this relationship.
Additionally, Nepal’s appeal for U.S. support regarding the release of Bipin Joshi from Hamas captivity is another indication of the country’s efforts to build and strengthen its international alliances.
Nepal’s foreign policy has increasingly focused on diversifying its diplomatic ties, and these engagements with India and the U.S. reflect an attempt to secure broader international backing for its internal challenges.
Educational and Economic Developments
On the domestic front, the commencement of the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) across 2,079 centers highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain academic integrity and ensure the continuity of education in the country.
With 514,071 students participating in this year’s SEE, there is a clear indication of a growing demand for quality education, despite the many challenges the country faces.
Furthermore, the announcement of direct flights from Chengdu to Pokhara by Sichuan Airlines is a noteworthy development in Nepal’s tourism sector.
This direct link not only celebrates the 70th anniversary of Nepal-China relations but also signals Nepal’s intention to enhance its tourism and economic cooperation with China.
As tourism is a key pillar of Nepal’s economy, this move is expected to bring in a steady flow of Chinese tourists, which could help rejuvenate the local economy, particularly in Pokhara, one of Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations.
Political Tug-of-War and the Role of the UML
In the political sphere, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) or CPN-UML has announced a nationwide campaign to counter royalist activities and bolster public support for Nepal’s federal democratic republic.
This move underscores the party’s commitment to defending constitutional reforms, including federalism and inclusion.
The party’s leadership is keen on engaging civic society and various stakeholders to defend the political gains made since the monarchy was abolished.
However, this campaign comes at a time when internal political dynamics within the communist camp are also shifting.
The government’s handling of the protests and its ability to mobilize support in favor of the republican system could have far-reaching implications for the future of the UML and its political standing.
Conclusion
This past week has been marked by a delicate balance between domestic unrest, political maneuvering, law enforcement challenges, and international diplomacy. Nepal is clearly at a crossroads, where the growing influence of the royalist movement clashes with the firmly entrenched republican forces.
The government’s response to these protests, along with its ability to manage internal security and uphold democratic values, will be pivotal in shaping the next chapter of Nepal’s political history.
As Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government braces for the March 28 protests, the stakes are high. The resolution of these tensions, along with Nepal’s foreign policy engagements, will have lasting consequences for the country’s political trajectory.
The next few weeks will undoubtedly be a defining period for the nation, testing the resilience of its democratic institutions and its ability to address the aspirations of a divided populace.
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