Eye-witness: The Mass Movement in Far-Western Nepal

The current focus of the mainstream English medium media is both almost exclusively Kathmandu orientated and largely negative about the current UCPN(M) strategy and protests. In order to assess the strength and depth of these protests a number of remote areas in the far-western Terai were visited at various stages of the current series of protests and rallies.

UCPN(M) Protest – 1st November 2009, Torch Rally in Hasuliya VDC, Kailali District, Far-West Nepal

The national programme of protests began on November 1^st with torch rallies in every VDC (Village Development Committee), town and city across Nepal.

Hasuliya village is a small but central village in the VDC of the same name close to the Indian border in Kailali district of far-west Nepal. The torch rally here visited local villages before finishing with a series of speeches in the central junction of the village. A significant number of UCPN(M) supporters, local YCL members and local residents listened to speeches from party leaders regarding the significance of the protests and updating on the wide extent of similar rallies across the country. The speeches stressed the importance of establishing civilian supremacy, correcting the President’s unconstitutional move and highlighting the significant number of unelected Constitutional Assembly (CA) members who are currently in the coalition government (including the Prime Minister and many cabinet members).

UCPN(M) Protest – 6th November 2009, Dhangadi, Kailali District, Far-West Nepal

Later I witnessed a protest in Dhangadi, Kailali on the 6^th of November. The protest is indicative of similar protests across Nepal on that and the previous day that completely closed the main source of district level government administration – the District Development Committee office (DDO).

The DDO is the main government administrative office for all districts in Nepal, and in Dhangadi this was closed for 2 days by the UCPN(M) – led by some excellent and committed work by members of the YCL. There have been many people attending both days, with a quite amazing and positive atmosphere, lots of revolutionary songs and dancing and some impressive speeches from party leaders. Supporters came from all over the district to participate in the two days of protests which were entirely peaceful and according to both local party leaders and those attending the protests were a great success. The police presence at the DDO office was increased significantly during the two days, but the officers merely watched and listened to the various speeches, songs and poems from behind the office gates. The many tractors, buses, lorries, motorcycles and cycles were testament to the significant numbers of people who attended each of the two days.

There have been many reports coming out about the current programme, but of course they tend to focus on Kathmandu (although there seems to be some very interesting things going on in Dhankuta district). What I think this protest and these photos clearly show is the strength and depth of the current movement as Dhangadi is a relatively small town in a very remote area of Nepal. These photos highlight the current strength of party across Nepal and the continued support that the party receives from the Nepali people.

The Banners on the gates mean the following:

Black Banner – For long vision, permanent peace with federalism, new constitution, joint national government and people’s supremacy.

District Administration and the Governmental offices making circle and opposition of government programme.

Red Banner – All Leftist, Republican and Nationalist forces be one

- Joint National People’s Revolution Nepal

Tharuwan State Committee

Kailali Area Number 12

Masuriya VDC Ensuring the blockade and making the circle programme. Make it successful!

Through many conversations with Comrades present, it was clear that this is both an exciting yet critical time in Nepal. Currently the protests have now moved to a focus on the Kathmandu valley and the blockade of Singh Durbar, while Comrades outside of the valley I have spoken to recently are awaiting more news and instruction from party leaders on the next stage of the protests.