What’s Behind the Regime Changes from Sri Lanka to Nepal?

New Delhi, Sep 9 (NationPress) The recent events unfolding in neighboring Nepal are truly unprecedented. What initially began as a protest against a social media ban escalated into the resignation of both the Prime Minister and the President of the nation.

The unrest, predominantly driven by Gen Z activists against corruption and nepotism, turned deadly, resulting in the loss of 22 lives. The Parliament was set ablaze, prompting the resignations of Prime Minister K P Oli and President Ram Chandra Poudel.

In essence, Nepal is experiencing its own version of the Bangladesh movement, revealing a more complex situation at play. Observers suggest that these protests extend beyond just the social media ban.

The region has witnessed swift regime changes, leading to suspicions of underlying factors. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka forced a change in leadership, with top officials fleeing as protests turned violent.

Similarly, in Pakistan, the democratically elected government of Imran Khan was ousted, primarily through the influence of the military. Bangladesh also faced upheaval when a massive student-led protest resulted in the removal of the formidable leader, Sheikh Hasina.

A distinct pattern has emerged in these protests, often ignited by social media and quickly morphing into movements against corruption. Like Hasina, both Oli and Poudel may be compelled to leave the country due to grave threats to their safety.

With tensions still high following the tragic death of a former Prime Minister’s wife during the protests, a military takeover seems imminent. The wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, Rabi Laxmi Chitrakar, tragically succumbed to injuries after their home in Dallu was set ablaze amid the ongoing turmoil. This indicates a targeted effort against leadership to facilitate regime change.

While the true motivations behind the protests remain unclear, speculation about foreign influence is mounting. Officials acknowledge the need for further analysis before drawing conclusions.

Notably, despite the government lifting the social media ban, protests have persisted, suggesting that the issue extends beyond mere censorship.

Speculations of external involvement in these protests are circulating on social media. "A familiar playbook observed globally – young, influenced individuals destroying Parliament and homes of top officials; leaders likely to flee the nation, etc. Anticipate a new leader, possibly an American puppet, taking charge – reminiscent of Bangladesh and Pakistan,” stated geopolitical expert S L Kanthan on X.

After her removal, Sheikh Hasina accused the U.S. of orchestrating her exit, claiming her refusal to permit the establishment of a U.S. airbase at St. Martin’s Island triggered her downfall.

The unfolding events bear striking resemblance to protests seen in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in 2022 and 2024, respectively. Both nations experienced sudden youth-led uprisings leading to the assault on the homes of leading politicians.

Incidents of looting and attacks on the residences of top leaders were evident in both nations. Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India, while Gotabaya Rajapaksa had to escape to the Maldives. Oli may soon find himself heading to Dubai.

In Nepal, tensions have been simmering since 2008, with power oscillating between leaders like Oli, Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda,’ and Sher Bahadur Deuba. A common thread among these leaders has been accusations of corruption, fueling frustration among the youth grappling with job scarcity and economic stagnation.

The situation remains precarious, making it plausible to orchestrate an upheaval of this scale. Just weeks before the app ban, a campaign questioning the extravagant lifestyles of the children of Nepalese politicians had gained traction.

Nepal has been marked by instability, witnessing 14 governments, predominantly coalitions, in the last 17 years. This has led many to assert that the experiment of a secular republic in Nepal has failed, advocating for a return to monarchical rule.