Of protests and politics

In Nepal, hardly anyone trusts politicians; public anger against the leaders simmers.

It has been over a month since the protests against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the Nepali Congress Chairperson Sher Bahadur Deuba at Tundikhel, Kathmandu. Oli and Deuba were on a decorated stage to inaugurate the celebration of Gaura Parva and greet the assembled public. Gaura Parva is one of the biggest festivals in Western Nepal, celebrated annually to commemorate the marriage between Hindu goddess Gauri and lord Shiva. As Oli-Deuba lit candles to begin the programme, shouts of "Oli Chor, Desh Chhod" (Leave the country, Oli the thief) filled the air. The shouting continued when the duo, Oli first and then Deuba, delivered their greetings. A large group of young men in the audience led the protest. The protest leaders were arrested by the police the following day. Not long after, Man Bahadur Karki, a common citizen who sells mo:mo in Bouddha, was incarcerated for criticising the prime minister on his Facebook account.