Political Update: Just under two weeks ago, the Madhesi People (the minority group that had been protesting in the Terai region for 3 weeks) lifted their bandas (closures) because the government had promised them some of the thing they wanted in the interim constitution (a federation, proportional seats). The Madhesis said that they would then give the government 10 days to create an atmosphere for talks (because the Madhesis still had many other demands to be agreed upon). One of their conditions for talks was the resignation of the Home Minister, who the Madhesis feel to be unjust for some reason. Well, demanding the resignation of such a high officer is quite the demand, and the government (though discussing it) did not yield. So, Tuesday the Madhesis decided to start up their protests again. Ama (my Nepali mom) is in the Terai region visiting her husband in their village, so because of the bandas she still has not returned and is unlikely to do so until the second week of March.
The point of all of this is that many other indigenous and minority groups have gotten the same idea as the Madhesis – riot and protest and you will get what you want. All of a sudden, countless minority groups have emerged with 20 point demands, and they are disturbing the daily flow of life in different areas of Nepal on the way.
In Pokhara we had a band on Thursday, which meant no school. We also have one next Wednesday and next Sunday – called by different groups each time. Pokhara is not especially hard hit and there is nothing to worry about – they are not violent protests and we are not in the center of the city, where the protests actually occur. But I certainly find it interesting how, because of the partial-success of one minority group (whose methods were modeled on the success of the 2006 protests against the king), every plain Joe and his dog thinks he can write up 30 point demands and then close down a city when the government doesn’t want to hear it.
Banda, Banda, Banda
