Nepal PM Balen Shah In Trouble Amid Gen Z Protests

Kathmandu: Balen Shah assumed office in Nepal just a few months ago, yet protests against his government have already erupted. It was the Gen Z demographic that spearheaded the massive opposition against K.P. Sharma Oli’s government, ultimately leading to its collapse and the subsequent formation of the new administration under Balen Shah. However, young people have now taken to the streets to protest against Balen Shah himself. The Nepali government decided to clear illegal settlements along the riverbanks in Kathmandu; in protest against this move, one individual set himself on fire and subsequently died. 

How has the Nepal government reacted? 

Balen Shah’s government has been in power for only 104 days. To quell the protests, the police began detaining individuals. Several leaders who were key figures in the Gen Z movement—and played a pivotal role in bringing Balen Shah’s government to power—have been detained. Majid Ansari, a prominent face of the movement, sustained injuries during police action and is currently undergoing treatment.

What is the issue?

Balen Shah launched a campaign to remove illegal riverbank settlements in Kathmandu, deploying both police and army personnel. Consequently, a large number of people have been left homeless. The Nepali government has not formulated any plan for their resettlement. Critics argue that arrangements for their housing should have been made prior to the eviction drive. Thousands of homes have been demolished as part of this campaign. This has sparked public outrage against the government, driving the youth to the streets to chant slogans against Balen Shah.
On Sunday, a large crowd gathered at Maitighar in Kathmandu, demanding the resettlement of those whose homes were being demolished. Protesters allege that they are not only being arrested but also subjected to severe mistreatment while in police custody. The Nepal Police detained Majid Ansari and Sarishma Thapa, who were leading these protests. Following this, public outrage intensified further.
Balen Shah has served as the Mayor of Kathmandu, and this issue had been on his agenda since then. In Nepal, individuals who do not own land but reside in homes built on government land are referred to as "occupiers" (or squatters). A report indicated that approximately 3,500 people in the Kathmandu Valley live in illegal settlements. People are resorting to self-immolation in protest against this government decision - Ashwin Raut and Vivek Mandal have also attempted self-immolation.