Flames of resistance

Prem Acharya set himself ablaze as a protest against the dehumanisation of ordinary Nepalis.

On Tuesday afternoon, Prem Acharya lit himself on fire in the middle of one of Kathmandu's busiest roads in a horrific protest against the system. While Acharya was covered in flames, a VVIP motorcade passed by the ghastly scene without so much as bothering to slow down and check what was going on. Stunned police officers, who were standing right there to provide security to the political big shots, sprang into action only after the procession of SUVs had passed. But by that time, Acharya had suffered burns over 80 percent of his body. He was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries in the wee hours of Wednesday. Videos showing Acharya engulfed in fire and the motorcade passing by cruelly illustrate the emotional distance between politicians and ordinary Nepalis.