How did the struggle of the Nepali people become a source of inspiration to Democrats all over the world?

CBSE Class 10 CBSE Class 10 Social Science
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1

How did the struggle of the Nepali people become a source of inspiration to Democrats all over the world? Explain.

2

Nepal was one of the third wave countries that won democracy in 1990. Although the king formally remained head of the state, the real power was exercised by popularly elected representatives:

  • King Birendra has accepted this transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy.

  • However, on 1st June, 2001, King Birendra was killed.

  • The new King Gyanendra was not prepared to accept democratic rule.

  • In February 2005, he dismissed the then Prime Minister and dissolved elected parliament.

  • All the major political parties in parliament formed a Seven Party Alliance and called for a four day strike.

  • This protest soon turned into an indefinite strike.

  • People defied curfew and took to streets.

  • The number of protesters reached between three and five lakhs on 21 April and they served an ultimatum to the king.

  • The king made some concessions, but the leaders rejected those concessions.

  • They stuck to their demands for restoration of parliament, power to an all party government and new constituent assembly.

  • On 24 April 2006, the last day of the ultimatum, the king was forced to concede all the three demands.

  • The SPA chose Girija Prasad Koirala as the new Prime Minister of the interim government. This movement regain democracy.

  • This struggle became inspiration to democrats all over the world.