I’m not a fan of people’s movement or “citizen activism.” Most so called people’s movement as unseen actor — controlling the narratives and agendas. I’m not political science expert, but citizen activism has just become a tool — a manipulation.

Nepal itself can be taken as a prime example of people’s movement or citizen activism being an illusion. A through out study of Nepali history discredits the people’s movement.

2007 BS/1950AD — Nepal overthrew Rana Regime and Nepali people got the taste of DEMOCRACY. It was called people’s movement. But was it? Nepali Congress was in armed revolution. King Tribhuwan of Nepal fled Nepal and went to India. India supported Nepali Congress and King Tribhuwan. Even though infant Ganendra was made king India rejected it. At last Rana rulers did agreement in INDIA and Nepal got democracy.

The democracy was short lived as king took overall power shortly after. 1990s — “people’s movement” was again able to limit King’s power and restore democracy. India supported political parties and blockade was imposed. King stepped down.

98% people seen in picture are complaining against the politicians they sided.

The democracy introduced the shit show of corruption, and politicians became powerful than any law. The new king Gyanendra took power in his hand. But it barely lasted 3years. Then, a new Revolution v2.0 started to over throw monarch as a whole. May be just some random coincidence, but again this time multi-party alliance was supported by India. The whole country was shut for 20+ days and there was blockade like status in border. Private media sided with political party and narrative was against King. EU, US, India supported political parties — China as well supported political parties hoping for communist lead government to take over. King had no option but to step-down.

It seems the party supported of India generally wins the game in Nepal.

Lets take the example of middle-east; US supported group generally won at the end. Example would be, Fall of Gadaffi and Saddam Hussain. However the change rarely brought any good.

Syria is the example of citizen activism going to toilet. The movement was called, “Arab Spring”. The uprising started peacefully but soon turned violent. Assad was backed by Russia & Iran, Kurds backed US, Rebel backed by Turkey and so on (VOX). The fight doesn’t seem to stop as each party are backed by powerful forces and no one is willing to give-up.

If King Gyanendra had backup of at least one major country, the Nepal situation had been similar to Syria.

Based on these historic events, it can be concluded that “people’s movement” has always been a proxy to switch power.

Again, general population has no time to “get involved” in such activism. If you don’t work, you don’t get paid. If your work is to be part of these “movement” then you can be part of it. Most working class as busy doing the daily business and don’t have time to be part of these movements. What will you choose? Go to Maitighar Mandala at 12PM asking for justice or go do your job?

You can stage hunger strike. You can do it either in ground or in hospital. If in hospital, they won’t keep you there for free. If you are employed on some job, you will get fired. Dr. Government KC is a government employee, yet can manage to go on strike for a month. Try doing the same. What are the chances you will be fired? May be government jobs are just that flexible.