Time to choose dialogue over disruptive protests

The government has appealed to the public and political groups to refrain from rallies and protests, suggesting instead that they should engage in dialogue with it. This call has come at a tense time. With Durga Prasai’s faction and other groups planning demonstrations right after the festival period, the Home Ministry's warning has indeed raised concerns that the country might once again witness severe unrest, especially with general elections just around the corner. The ministry's appeal is an expression of growing concern that demonstrations organized through social media may be hijacked by disruptive forces to inflict chaos like the country witnessed during the Gen Z uprising. That movement, which started as a simple protest call by the young people for reform, turned tragic when more than 70 lives were lost, including 22 young demonstrators, and property was largely vandalized amid chaos after police used excessive force to quell the protest. The wounds of that turmoil still linger, both in the minds of the population and in the security forces of the state. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal's message that the nation requires dialogue, not disruptive protests holds true. His message following a top-level meeting with security commanders is a timely move that leaves room for negotiation while preparing to avoid chaos in the streets.