Chapter 19

Summary

As the monsoon passed that eventful year, the political situation in Nepal worsened day by day, due to the fresh outbreak of violent agitation by the traditionally under-represented ethnic groups.

In addition to the Madhesi agitation, the Janjati groups (or indigenous nationalities) started their own agitation in the mountains. Janjati can be understood as indigenous groups/nationalities that originally came from the north and migrated into different parts of Nepal. They speak a variety of Tibeto-Burmese languages, and originally practiced various religions. The government categorised 59 groups as Janjati, ranging from privileged groups—such as Newars and Gurungs—to disadvantaged groups, like the Chepang or the Raute. Irrespective of their economic and social status, most Janjati groups were angry because they were forced to abandon their own traditions and to adopt the language, costume, customs and life-style of the ruling elite—Bahun-Chhetri group. When Janjati groups saw that their issues of identity and representation were not sufficiently addressed—despite the 2006 change—they took advantage of the political fluidity and started agitating.

The main demands of this group were for a full proportional electoral system and restructuring of the country, based on ethnicity, geography and language. They wanted their voices to be heard, and carried out violent strikes, agitation and blockades, which sometimes lasted weeks, to draw attention to their agenda.

Similarly, the Dalits and other under-represented groups also came out onto the streets demanding their fair representation. These activities worsened the already fragile security situation.