KATHMANDU: The first gathering of the ‘Socialist Awakening Campaign’, launched under the leadership of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, has adopted a 15-point special proposal covering contemporary politics, livelihoods, disaster management and the restructuring of the left-wing movement.
The campaign, which has the support of leaders including Haribol Gajurel and Maheshwar Dahal, concluded that the country is facing a serious political, economic and social crisis. It has called for broad unity among divided communist forces and the formation of a unified revolutionary party, while putting forward various demands and commitments.
Broad left unity and ideological debate
The campaign noted that communist and left-wing forces in the country remain divided into different groups and called for unity on issues of common national interest and public concern.
It has called for a serious review of the past experiences, achievements, weaknesses and challenges of the communist movement and urged progress toward building a ‘unified CPN’ based on a revolutionary ideological and political direction.
The campaign also appealed to left leaders and cadres to engage in a friendly, principled and open debate on the concept of socialism with Nepali characteristics.
Gen Z movement demands and judicial investigation
The campaign has urged the government to immediately address the legitimate demands raised during the Gen Z movement on September 8, 2025.
It called for the immediate release, following due legal procedures, of youths who have been detained without due process and demanded an impartial investigation into their treatment.
It also called for the formation of a ‘judicial commission’ to establish the facts surrounding vandalism, arson and violent incidents on September 9, 2025, and to ensure justice and appropriate compensation for the victims.
Disaster management and transparency in relief
The campaign said floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river areas have exposed climate-related risks and called for the implementation of long-term policies for disaster risk reduction and environmental protection.
It also called for establishing a framework for sustainable regional cooperation among South Asian countries, including Nepal, India and China, and stressed that rescue, relief and reconstruction for flood victims should be carried out with public participation.
The campaign called for transparent public disclosure of accounts of relief funds and in-kind assistance received, as well as a high-level expert study of infrastructure along river basins to establish disaster-resilient development standards.
Protection of people’s rights and national interests
The campaign has urged the government to lift restrictions imposed on workers’ trade union rights, the right to form student unions and the professional rights and interests of employees.
It has pledged to protect rights guaranteed by the Constitution, review unequal treaties and agreements, and oppose foreign interference.
The campaign has also urged the government to introduce effective programmes that prioritise citizens’ basic needs.
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