Text By Krishna Poudel
Photos by Sailendra Kharel
At this moment of time, I wish I were in Nepal being part of those thousands on the street defying the curfew orders, asking the military to open fire if they could, and caring nothing but the absolute democracy. The puppets of Royal Regime have warned of heavier crackdown in the peaceful demonstration but they are oblivious of the fact that this time people on the street have taken to the street because the atrocities of the royal regime have taken their toll and the Nepalese people have it enough living in fear and deadlocks. Thanks to the ‘Giris and Thapas’, absolute democracy is not at distance now!
Bullets may work against hundreds of, even thousands, party cadres, but it never works when millions of common people with nothing but their open arms decide to march. History is a witness, in Nepal, and elsewhere in the world, when such a mass of everyday people decides, authoritarian regimes reigning centuries have fallen apart in days; fences, however big they are, are brought down and the will of these common people prevails. Nepalese people, it’s evident, have already made up their mind when they defied the ‘shoot at sight’ curfew orders.
Ironically, for better or worse, when the nation is burning in fire, the peaceful demonstrators are being gunned down, and the blood of democracy fighters is marking the roads and crossroads, King Gyanendra is taking a pleasure trip, offering the ‘sacred water’ in temples. I recall here one lesson that my grandpa often reminded me. There are three types of people in this world, those who see the fire and its potential strength and take care of it in time, other who realizes the power of the fire when they feel the heat and the others who don’t get it until they are engulfed by the fire and turned to ashes.
Street vendors from Terai, eminent personalities of the civil society (like renowned doctors, lawyers, journalists, professors) college students from Palpa, housewives of Mangalbazaar, Tharus of Bardia, farmers of Chitwan and the likes are taking to street in the valley and all over the nation. Yes, they are the new faces, they are the weakest of the weak, they have only open arms, but now they make up this fire for democracy. It’s up to King Gyanendra and his puppets to gauge the strength of this fire. Rest history itself will tell.
In the mean time, I would like to appeal the international community, as you did support the people’s movement in 1990, Nepalese people are seeking support one more time. They are in decisive mood now; the moral support of all the ‘democracy and freedom loving people around the globe’ will give them the vigor they need more than ever. It may not be ruled out that royal regime might opt for the mass murder of the peaceful demonstrators, so it’s also the responsibility of the international community to warn against any such action and of its consequences.
Also, there is a request for those front runners and other democracy fighters, please try to control the ones who might be tempted for some vandalism and watch out for those infiltrators trying to taint the movement giving it a violent turn. ‘Non violence is the ultimate weapon of the freedom fighters’.
On the part of all Nepalese around the world who care for democracy, Hats off Democracy Fighters, you are writing a history of New Nepal now.
UWB! Notes: The text-author is a fellow at Cornell University, New York while Sailendra Kharel is a photojournalist based in Nepalgunj and all these photos (of April 8 and 9) are published in his blog – Nepal on Photo News.
United We Blog 
Comments
45 responses to “Hats Off to Democracy Fighters”
Yeah! Hats off! Keep on fighting for your rights!
Isn’t this what we are doing in the streets?
“…Whereas it is essential, if man is to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law.”
— Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
ya, Krishna ji ..
I can’t agree more than what you have said in this article.
We all are fighting for the same goal, to wake up this ‘kumbhakarna’ – D mahila sahu.
But it seems, we will have to pass through dreadful nighmare before we break up his childish dream.
Billions and billions times hats off to democracy fighters. This movement should be written in the history of the world. This is a clear example of the force of united people. I wish I were in Nepal too. I have been missing this historical moment. But I will do what I can in the aftermath of of this movement. I will be coming to Nepal in May. Long live our beautiful Nepal. Let’s join our efforts to make it peaceful not only in words but in reality.
Mr Poudel,
You say you wish you were in Nepal so you could join in. But there is something all of us outside Nepal can do to put pressure directly on the royal government. That is to deny the royal government legitimacy in representing the Nepali people by directly, peacefully occupying Nepali embassies around the world. At this decisive moment it would not only send a clear message to the international community, but also put direct pressure on the king’s own henchmen abroad.
Millions clappings. Just wondering where is G Shah? Hiding under the petty coat of his wife! Just kicked him out of the country!
Yes, Hats off to the real fighters and I wish I was in Nepal too. I’ve written “This time democracy in Nepal is for Real!?” http://nirlog.com/2006/04/10/this-time-democracy-in-nepal-is-for-real/
you can check out.
Parmendra,
How about starting boycott of companies owned by the King, his family, and the ministers.
The ones I can think of are:
1) Surya Tobacco: partially owned
2) Jyoti group: owned by the finance minister
This will put more pressure on the falling regime
i see some maoist cadres in first picture
Police beat 4 kantipur journos
http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=70819
Me and some of my friends are wearing black wrist bands to support the ongoing defiance shown by the people of Nepal towards the autocratic king. You can join our small effort to support ‘the people and our desire to gain back our sovereignty from the feudal tyrant’
After many years, people have decided to step out of their apathetic cocoons and fight for themselves. I think we should play our part in this fight.This time its not about Congress, nor about Maoist or one particular party. Its about us, you and me. Its about a Nepali.
If you are with us, wear a black wrist band from tomorrow until peace prevails and paste this message on the walls of other Nepalis. Jay Desh, Jay Nepal
[…] Yikes. I’m not sure if I wish I was back in Kathmandu or not. Seems almost exciting, if you can avoid being shot, as these protests may finally force king Gyanendra into political isolation and remove him from power. United we Blog! for a Democratic Nepal, who has folks on the ground in Kathmandu and across Nepal. These folks are full of excitement, suggestingthat latest demonstrations are the beginnings of a People’s Revolution akin to the events of 1990 that forced a constitutional monarchy. […]
[…] Yikes. I’m not sure if I wish I was back in Kathmandu or not. Seems almost exciting, if you can avoid being shot, as these protests may finally force king Gyanendra into political isolation and remove him from power. United we Blog! for a Democratic Nepal, who has folks on the ground in Kathmandu and across Nepal. These folks are full of excitement, suggestingthat latest demonstrations are the beginnings of a People’s Revolution akin to the events of 1990 that forced a constitutional monarchy. […]
m:
what is your obsession with occupying embassies around the world?
You can’t just that … the embassies have protection from the host governments. You can’t just storm in and take over.
Instead of occupying Nepali Embassies the U.S. residents can write to senators and congressmen/women to put pressure on the king and his puppets. Nepali residents of other countries can do the same by writing to appropriate political authorities.
bhudai pundit:
Of course you are right and I am sorry if I suggested that anyone take unnecessary risks. But I do think demonstrations outside embassies are feasible and in some countries, e.g. in Europe, short, peaceful, high profile sit-ins can be held without any arrests resulting (be they 20 minutes, an hour, or whatever).
just for change! have u guys ever visited gorkhapatra and the rising nepal sites. check them out guys.
http://www.gorkhapatra.org.np/pageloaderg.php?file=2062/11/19/indexg
and
http://www.gorkhapatra.org.np/pageloader.php?file=2006/04/10/index
it’s real fun..you cant just stop lauging going through some of the news there. ..and it looks like nothing is happenning in nepal right now.
again blame the political parities for this..there was an unbelivable transfomation in the communication sector in nepal during 12 years but the goverment press remained the same ..what a shame!!
Remarkable work!
Pasupatinath le hami sabai ko kalyan garun!
ani chairman Gynendra ko binas garun!
Oh demostrations are of course feasible.
Well I encourage Nepalis living in places like London and Washington DC to go ahead.
I say these 2 palces since many embassies have career diplomats who have no affliation to Gyanendra. But I know that in London and DC the ambassadors are appointed by the King and they are close to His Majesty.
Its now time for NRN’s to make one step towards free Nepal.
All Nepali’s, irrespective of their profession and status are requested to create(and join) into protest programs in front of Nepali Ambessies – against this ruthless Monarchy.
It dont have to be as aggresive like here in KTM, but must be sincere effort by all abroad brothers.
We are in search of our identity, now its time to show our power and identity and save soverniety of our country.
We can’t take this uncertainity forever, We need now pressure over current government from all over the world, specially Middle East, US, UK, Germany, France and Australia. I didn’t mean to discriminate other regions, but to my knowledge these are the countires where most of people fly in for.
Start protest programs all over world. We need now international attention, make UN, EU and other international mediators get heard of this current dictatorship.
Nepal: A Message for the King
As a friend of Nepal, we must state that King Gyanendra’s decision fourteen months ago to impose direct palace rule in Nepal has failed in every regard. The demonstrations, deaths, arrests, and Maoist attacks in the past few days have shown there is more insecurity, not less. The King’s continuing failure to bring the parties back into a process to restore democracy has compounded the problem.
The United States calls upon the King to restore democracy immediately and to begin a dialogue with Nepal’s constitutional political parties. It is time the King recognizes that this is the best way to deal with the Maoist insurgency and to return peace and prosperity to Nepal.
2006/358, Released on April 10, 2006 Press Statement (Revised), Sean McCormack, Spokesman, Washington, DC, April 10, 2006
I was really in deep shock to see that little boy in bloddy bath.In last days we saw some news about journo and people saving police being killed. But i don’t think we should spare them, after watching that photo?
Hey police and Army men, the salary you are getting at the end of the month is from Nepalese people.
And this is link of news from australia.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/king-fails-to-quell-unrest/2006/04/10/1144521267690.html
Like I mentioned some embassies have career diplomats and they have no affliation to the King. I don’t think it makes any sense for the Nepali community to harass these people who are trying to make a living and who themslves probably don’t like Gyanendra.
many people are only talking about the democracy and all the others but now since its the 6th day of the general strike now its time ot think about the poor people who dont have food to eat. there are many nepalese who have to work the day long to eat so please think of them.
United We Blog:
Why the hell are my comments always tagged with “your comments are awating moderation”????
Is that just random or are my comments just getting offensive
THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING
people in the streets!!! this is very brave of you guys. i am proud to support you and very much hope that this ends up being a success.
not being a pessimist or descaurageous but what scares me is the thought of future. what is happening after we succeed in bringing down the government? does anyone have a plan? i think most of the people in the streets want the King to be stripped off (and so do I) and leave. but who will fill in the vaccume (i remember Girija’s concern)as he gives up? i know almost all the political stakeholders are pretty much convinced to opt for constituent assembly elections. but who is declaring it? an interim government? the restored house of representatives? the king? and whats happening with the guns of the maoists?
i hope the political parties, maoists etc decide on it before the king gives up. otherwise, it will cause a massive chaos resulting to the rule of guns (especially that of the maoists).
hello dear nrn
it is good to know that ppl living outside nepal also support the current ongoing protest against the government.
but they can also help the ongoing protest in nepal. they can organise rallies so as to make the government of the respective country where one is living about the ongoing situation in nepal. this will definately help to do something. so start something.
today!
🙂
Let this andolan clear the clouds for ever paving path for a peaceful and prosperous Nepal. UWB, thanks for making all the endeavors, hope the zeal never ceases until the goal is realized.
United Blog we!
Why am i getting the same tag in my blog.
need to think about the maoists too..
please read:
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?maoists
Many people seem to be overjoyed by the failure of curfew. However, I am confused why people cannot see this as an important setback to the implementation of the rules in the country.
What if when some people want to go for mass revolt and they defy curfew as the folks are doing today? How do you check it when even curfews do not work? Shoot them?
People should not just look at things from one perspective. I am for democracy and freedom, but, I do not want to have the fear every day and night. I want to live in a country where rules are respected if they are meant to increase stability and reduce risks to people’s lives.
What do you do if this situation arises in the future and curfew fails to hold the people back? Anyone has answers?
Don’t give me the crap that it will not happen or it will not be backed by this many majority. I am just talking about the failure of the govenment to enforce rules. If people can break rules now, they can do it tomorrow too.
At the end, I agree we need democracy. It is the ultimate choice of us all. But I am just talking about the means to the end.
hari sharma
http://unitelibertarians.blogspot.com
hey bloggers!! any Nepalese refugeee roports????
I think that UWB should create some filter and not moderate comments made by every individual. There are a lot of people who write here regularly and UWB should expect decent stuff from those people.
I always get the same comment too.
Ok hopefully this comment will go through without being moderated.
Well Hari Sharma that is an interesting question but right now is that really a priority? The fact that the security forces have not been able to control the revolt indicates severals things. Firstly it could mean that the protest and the revolt has so much support that the security forces are simply unable to contain it. Such protests have happened in other countries too – take the Phillipines.
It could mean that the security forces are ill-corordinated and don’t have the intelligence and the planning to deal with it. The security forces’ morale is low right now and plus they are streched thin right now.
I don’t know excatly why they weren’t able to make the curfew successful but I am glad that they weren’t able to.
Best wishes To all DEMOCRATIC FIGHTER.
We should try our best to keep the protest peaceful.
One way to do so is we will tie both our hands with black
cloths and chant anty monarchy slogan.
IF again there is suppresion then international community
will not remain silent.
IT is going to be decisive movement.
The Poet which published in kantipur daily and really which invites me to take part in this revolution.
LALIGURANS KRANTI
HOCHINA NAJANEKO HIMAL LAI SALAM
JHUKNA NAJANEKO PAHAD LAI SALAM
ROKINA NAJANEKO MAIDAN LAI SALAM
JAGIRAHEKO MERO DESH LAI SALAM
BIDROHA BANERA FULEKO LALIGURANS LAI SALAM
JANMIRAHEKO NAYA DIN LAI SALAM
JAGIRAHEKO MERO AFANTA LAI SALAM
JAGIRAHEKO MERO DESH LAI SALAM.
Though I do not know you personally Thanks Basanta Jee for your beutiful poet.So far I am just morally supporting this LALIGURANS KRANTI and promise you now I will take part physically in this revolution.And I request you all you guys and gals to take part in this decisive revolution for ANTIM DHAKKA …
Page 7 of today’s Kantipur Daily, Text under the title ‘Continuation Of the Movement And Destination’ : “Whole energy of this movement should be utilized to reestablish the status of the king as a Ceremonial King where sovereignty and supremacy is completely under people as that of the UK”
The writer is a NC convention member from Okhaldhunga and from his text it can be generalized that the leaders of SPA haven’t yet made a clear decision regarding REPUBLIC GOVERNMENT and they might come into an agreement with the King if the latter calls them for a negotiation. This is the reason why I don’t ever support these ‘unreliable’ and ‘oppertunist’ leaders who change their stance along with the astral movement and moon phases.
Well an important matter raised forward by Hari Sharma. Indeed, the Nepalese now are used to breaking rules and defiance of curfew to such an extent by everyone including responsible authorities like doctors( may it appear apposite and necessary at present) surely indicates the fear of similar anarchic situations in the future. Unless a stern law is imposed for 2-3 years, the ‘nani dekhi lageko bani’ of Nepalese is not going to reform. Take the example of China, in what rate did the progress expedite within few years of Mao rule. Only political revolution and increase in political awareness won’t bring any radical change when it is hard to cater even basic needs for most of the households. Though my words may offend most of u who r pro-democratic, a despotic rule is mandatory for at least one or two score of months to make people realize that no-one and nothing is supreme than the law. So, although it may seem unbefitting and contradictory to use such remark, i’m in favor of an ‘an-udar ganatantra’ and find it necessary.
And, extension to Mr. Pundit’s logic about the inefficacy of security forces to control the revolt: The two salient facts suggested by you are no doubt precise but one thing most of us haven’t noticed or pretended not to notice is that all the security forces cannot be assumed to be working in sync. As every area is affected by politics, security department cannot be excluded from the rest. I’m not sure but more than 20% of the security forces are pro-democratic and have benefitted from these political leaders in various ways in the past. So, they will of course try to keep distance from the scene. Moreover, many of them realizing the action that may be taken unto them after change of government try to appear in favor of democracy or at least liberal than others. Otherwise, I guess u know it better Mr. Pundit( analysing ur level of intellect from ur previous posts) how such protests are controlled in North Korea and China and how effective are they?
Hey Ray of hope
You want dectator and at the same time you say
nobody should be above law. A dictator is always
above law. It is because of unrulyness of KG we are
facing all problems.
ray of hope,
You say 20% of security forces are pro democratic and may have received political favours. But since you yourself quote the Kantipur (although not the most reliable source of news) and say the SPA leadership is not clear on their stand. So these security forces may be more loyal to the political leadership of the past and cannot be termed pro democracy only pro a certain leader.
“You want dectator and at the same time you say
nobody should be above law.”
IS that always true? then ok, let me correct my words. LEt’s not use the word dictator, I want a system, an absolute ruling government system that itself works under a law and makes all others work under law. Am I getting too complex?
[…] Die Lage scheint chaotisch zu sein. Niemand weiss wie lange die Proteste dauern werden. Niemand weiss wieweit der König gehen wird. Niemand weiss ob die Maoisten sich weiter zurück halten werden. Aber so oder so heißt es: Hats Off To Democracy Fighters! — […]
[…] Die Lage scheint chaotisch zu sein. Niemand weiss wie lange die Proteste dauern werden. Niemand weiss wieweit der König gehen wird. Niemand weiss ob die Maoisten sich weiter zurück halten werden. Aber so oder so heißt es: Hats Off To Democracy Fighters! — […]
I have read so many posts concerning the blogger lovers except
this article is genuinely a pleasant paragraph, keep it up.