Summary
September has seen a great deal more political activity on the ground than recent months. Pro Hindu groups wishing to see Nepal return to a Hindu state including Kamal Thapa’s RPP – N have been increasingly vocal in their demands. This has been primarily in the east of the country where the RPP-N enjoys strong support. However, other ‘Hindu struggle committees’ have been active in other parts of the Tarai with some active support from NC and UML district leadership. Similarly some leaders of the NC have also been vocal in the objection to a secular state.
The formation of alliances and preparations for agitations continues with the UCPN-M led Federal Republic Alliance expanding its district committees particularly in the Eastern and Central regions. In addition, the Federal Limbuwan Party Nepal announced its unification and planned protest programs due to begin after Tihar. Another identity based group known as the Kirat Rai Yayokkha also announced their plans for a Kirat state that would theoretically include the areas proposed by the Limbuwan. Similarly some smaller Madhesi parties in the MWR have also formed alliances to increase strength though it is not clear what their objectives are.
A number of issues impacting operational space have been highlighted during the month with the ADB funded waste management project in Janakpur continuing to be an issue of tension with political alliances being formed to counter what appears to be the vested interests of one local politician and minister. The CPN-M continues to oppose any projects with Indian involvement citing damage to national interests as its main concern. This has been exemplified in the Karnali region with the ongoing disruption to the Upper Karnali Hydro-Electricity Project.
The CPN-M also imposed a bandh protesting various agreements with the Govt of India.
Additionally, the CPN-M was accused of extorting money from local cardamom farmers in the Eastern Region. Demonstrating that it is not just the CPN-M obstructing development, the NC has also objected to another hydro project in the Western Region demanding its cadre be employed in the project implementation.
Former scientists and Madhesi activist CK Raut was arrested on the charges of sedition.
Following his arrest there were protests and demonstrations in various parts of the Tarai as well as the imposition of a bandh though impact was minimal. The Madhesi community reportedly perceives the arrest of CK Raut as further evidence of continued suppression of the Madhes. This has been further compounded by alleged under reporting of the incident by Nepal’s national media.