Why are India’s neighbouring countries revolting?

Why Are People in India’s Neighboring Countries Rebelling?

• Corruption, disregard for public sentiment, and failure to solve the people’s problems have pushed the governments of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal toward collapse.
• When people asked their governments to address their issues, the rulers responded with repression — which ultimately triggered public anger and led to regime change.
• In July 2022, Sri Lanka faced a severe financial crisis. Angry protesters stormed the official residences of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and interim Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
• This Tuesday, the anger of Nepal’s youth erupted — resulting in the ousting of the leftist government led by former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.
• Oli faced allegations of corruption and unethical tactics to remain in power.
• Even ministers weren’t spared during the protests in Nepal — demonstrators set their houses on fire and physically attacked many of them.

Different Flags and Slogans, But Everything Else Is the Same

• The only differences are the colors of the flags and the slogans — the themes of protest, repression, public fury, and government collapse are identical across all three countries.
• Initially, determined resistance by the people is met with authoritarian crackdowns.
• In the end, massive protests lead to the fall of governments.
• After Colombo and Dhaka, Kathmandu has now shown the same picture.
• In just four years, mass uprisings have triggered political turnover in three of India’s neighboring countries.

Oli’s Whereabouts Unknown

• While Rajapaksa and Hasina fled their countries, Oli’s current whereabouts remain unknown.
• It is believed he has either fled to Dubai or plans to do so.
• In all three countries, the public’s anger followed a similar pattern — the leader’s residence became the main target.
• Some Nepali media sources report that Oli has already escaped to Dubai.

Why Did Nepal’s Youth Start Protesting?

• On Monday, Nepal’s youth began protesting to demand the withdrawal of the social media ban.
• At first, it was just about lifting the ban — but it quickly turned into an anti-corruption movement against the leftist government.
• K.P. Sharma Oli was accused of staying in power through corrupt means.
• Enraged, protesters began setting fire to homes of ministers and political leaders.
• To control the situation, Oli called for an all-party meeting on Tuesday — but before it could take place, the furious public forced him to resign.

Editor’s Note

• What recently happened in Nepal, and earlier in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, makes one thing clear — the people will not sit silently in the face of oppression. Citizens of India’s three neighboring countries have made it known that they will not tolerate repression or tyranny. The question now is — how will these three countries manage the situation going forward, and what direction will they take in the future?