Mainstream WeeklyAfter the unprecedented protest and unrest in Nepal against host of problems including endemic corruption attributed to political leaders of all hues and officialdom President Ram Chandra Poudel administered oath of office to the 73-year-old former Chief Justice, Sushila Karki, to assume office as the interim Prime Minister, making her the first woman to lead the country. Karki agreed to take that responsibility on the condition that she would be free to investigate corruption at high places and disproportionate force employed by police causing death of at least 20 protesters. While welcoming such a heartening development the malaise gripping Nepal deserves dissection to unearth possible causes behind it.
Entire world was stunned beyond belief to see Nepal caught in the whirlpool of protest and unrest which erupted suddenly following the ban of 26 social media platforms by authorities of that country. A day later it was followed by violence and bloodshed with all institutions of the State including the Parliament and Supreme Court getting vandalised. Several politicians regardless of their ideologies were physically thrashed by the protestors and houses burnt. Media offices aligned to the Government were targeted and put on fire. 21 of the protesters were killed in police firing, intensifying the unrest further.