Coup in Myanmar

Nepal must unequivocally condemn the military junta's desecration of democracy in the neighbouring country.

To Nepalis waking up on Monday to the news of a military coup in Myanmar, it was a major nudge amid political uncertainties of how quickly civilian supremacy can be squashed. It was exactly 16 years ago on this day that King Gyanendra had assumed absolute power by dissolving the government led by Sher Bahadur Deuba and declared himself the chairman of the council of ministers. In a move that was strongly condemned by the international community and which plunged the country further into crisis, a state of emergency was declared, the military was out on the streets, phone lines were cut, and senior politicians were put under house arrest.