Exactly a year ago today yet another round of movement against king Gyanendra’s regression and coup had started, and fortunately, that turned out to be the final and decisive. Tired of not getting as much public support as they would have like to have, political parties had announced another phase of movement against regression from April 6, 2006. The alliance of seven parties (SPA) was energized by the 12-point agreement they had reached with the Maoists a few months earlier. The Maoists had postponed their plan to hold nationwide protests and extended their support to the peaceful programs to be launched by the SPA. That Maoist decision added more energy to the SPA led movement.

Exactly a year ago today in Kathmandu.

[Here is a video of the April Uprising posted by Roshani Dhungana on Google Video. The link of the video was sent to UWB by Jason Andrews, Yale University.]

“Rallies, protests, arrests, campaigns and imposition of curfew marked Wednesday [5 April], the day before the four-day long General Strike,” UWB reported on 5th April. “This morning a number of leaders were arrested from their home. 37 professionals including lawyers, journalists and doctors were arrested in the morning when they tried to rally peacefully.” We knew that from the 6th of that month, April Uprising had begun. Under the title “On Photos: April Uprising I“, we posted several photographs: “The first-day of four-day General Strike saw closures, protests and police clampdowns. It was a story of make and break. The only debate was who were trying to make and who were trying to break. Protesters were burning tyres, policemen extinguishing them; protesters were chanting slogans, policemen were chasing them and protesters were putting disturbance, policemen were clearing them.” Then there was a diary of the first day that detailed the life in Kathmandu. Maoists were still continuing their violent activities against the royal regime. They attacked, UWB reported, on 6 April Magalawa, the district headquarters of Sarlahi, kidnapping a few including Chief District Officer Bodh Raj Adhikari. “An Army helicopter was ‘crashed/gunned’ down.”

And yes, we also remember that article of Maoist leader Dr. Baburam Bhattarai in which he had predicted about the April Revolution. Under the headline “Maoist Expects ‘April Revolution’ in Nepal”, UWB wrote: “So Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, revolutionary by some and terrorist for others, tries to convince us that the Nepal will see an “April Revolution” and that the peaceful movement against autocracy will successfully restore democracy in the country this time around.”

April Revolution Blogs:

1. On Photos: April Uprising I
2. General Strike Day I Diary
3. Maoists Attack on Sarlahi
4. The Eve of General Strike
5. Patan Meet in the Eve of April Uprising
6. Maoist Expects ‘April Revolution’ in Nepal

By Deepak Adhikari

Midnight Celebrations: People in Anamnagar after the address Pic by Bijay Kumar Son

When at the middle of the night, people started sloganeering in Ghattekulo area, I awoke, thinking that it was just another protest for democracy. But, lo and behold, it was a celebration of people’s power; they were enthralled by what they have achieved. The euphoria and excitement was all around. They were shouting “Yo Jit Kasko Janatako” (This is people’s victory). They chanted: “Hamro andolan jari cha (The movement goes on). Sambidhan sabha banki cha (Election of CA is yet to be held). Bir saheed amar rahun (Long live the martys).”

The king, through a televised address, restored the House of Representative almost after four years of its dissolution in May 2002. When the announcement came at 11:30 PM, most of the country was in slumber. It took around two hundred residents of that area to inform me about king’s renunciation. I thought, this would herald a new beginning. Continue reading King Renounces, All Eyes on SPA →

Photos By Rajaram Gautam

A boy looks on as a protester adds fire Continue reading Eve of Final Protests Through Lens →

As the general strike enters the 19th day, protesters seemed a bit tired which is why there was less participation today. But, the spirit is still high and we can say that they are preparing for tomorrow’s final protests.

By Deepak Adhikari and Sarojraj Adhikari

Banasthali Burning Pics by Rajaram Gautam

Shankhamul, 12:30

Some 30 to 40 protesters were burning effigy of king. In Buddhanagar, protesters have continued to protest since yesterday’s police brutality. Continue reading General Strike Day XIX →

Photos by Rajkumar Shrestha

Futile Fencing: Policemen prevent protesters Continue reading April 23 Protests on Photos →

Martyrs of Janaadolan-II: Here is a list, prepared by eKantipur, of those brave Nepali people who lost their lives while fighting for our freedom.

KATHMANDU, April 22 – On Friday, the 16th day of the Janaandolan-II, the capital witnessed what arguably is the demonstration by largest numbers of people. But at least 15 persons had to sacrifice their lives in course of the movement. Here are their names.

Name
Place
Date of martyrdom
Security agency responsible

1. Umesh Chandra Thapa
Dang
February 8
RNA men

2. Darshan Lal Yadav
Rajbiraj, Saptari
April 6
Police

3. Bhimsen Dahal
Pokhara, Kaski
April 8
RNA men

4. Tulasi Chettri
Chitwan
April 9
Police
Read the rest of the list in eKantipur.

Seven Party Alliance (SPA)’s Joint Movement Committee has rejected king’s offer of Primiership and vowed to continue the protest. According a press release issued by them, the movement goes on, General Strike will continue for the 17th day tomorrow.

SPA’s top leaders’ opinion will be published only after their meeting tomorrow afternoon. Meanwhile, UML’s Standing Committee is holding its meeting tomorrow morning at 8 am. It will decide on UML’s position. UML’s leader Amrit Bohara said that he can dwell upon the issue only after the meeting. His reticence had earlier sent a chilling message that UML and NC may have been seduced by India’s offer. But, things are appearing in different shapes now. Most of the vocal party leaders said that the address has failed to address the movement as well as the 12 point agreement. People are frustrated by its inability to deal with the major concerns country is facing today. Continue reading King's Hollow Address, Parties' Movement Goes On →

The much awaited address by king has only solidified his ambition to remain in power.

Royal Message inside

In his 5 minute long speech, king has tried to take credit for his direct rule and seems reluctant to give power to the people. He has cited article 35 of 1990’s constitution and asked SPA leaders to come up with a name of Prime Minister. Until such name is fixed, the king has declared that he is clinging to the power.This is an utter deception. He is not willing to give up the power yet. This is only a cosmetic change and no one should believe in his words.

It is done only to manage the growing international pressure upon him. He should have cited article 128 by which a powerful PM could be appointed. He is not ready to bring the Maoist in mainstream politics which is the major concern of the people. He should have asked SPA to form an interim government that will eventually hold election for unconditional Constituent Assembly.

People sloganeering in the streets have voiced their concerns over kings deceptive steps.

Meanwhile, state has extended curfew from 8pm to 12 o’clock.

Rajendra Pande, central member of CPN (UML) says : This is a treachery. The movement will go on unless power is handed over to the people.

Upper House MP and lawyer Radheshyam Adhikari comments: This so called solution can not stop people from reaching their goal of loktantra. Continue reading King's Deceptive Message →