From Conflict to Republic: The People's War, the 2006 Movement and the 2015 Constitution

The last chapter of Nepal's political history, so far, is also the fastest-moving: in less than two decades the country went from a monarchy under a multiparty system, through an armed conflict, to a federal democratic republic. This chapter follows that path, with the dates and names that exams usually ask.

This period is recent and numbers (such as casualties) are given loosely. Dates are those commonly cited; for exact dates and figures rely on your textbook.

The armed conflict (1996–2006)

On 13 February 1996 (1 Falgun 2052 BS), the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) began what it called the "People's War". It started with attacks on police posts in districts such as Rolpa, Rukum and Sindhuli, after the party presented a list of demands (including a republic and a new constitution) to the government. Over the following decade, the conflict spread across most of the country. It took the lives of roughly 17,000 people, displaced many more, and hurt the economy and daily life, especially in rural areas.

The royal massacre (2001)

On 1 June 2001 (19 Jestha 2058 BS), King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya and several other members of the royal family were killed at the royal palace. Official reports named Crown Prince Dipendra as responsible. The tragedy shocked the nation. Gyanendra, the late king's brother, became king.

The royal takeover

• October 2002. King Gyanendra dismissed the elected prime minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and began to appoint governments himself.
• 1 February 2005 (19 Magh 2061 BS). The king dismissed the government, declared a state of emergency and took direct control of the state, arresting political leaders and restricting the press.

These steps brought the political parties and the Maoists, who were opposed to the monarchy, closer together.

The 12-point understanding (November 2005)

In Delhi, the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) of the main parliamentary parties and the Maoists agreed on a 12-point understanding. They agreed to work together against the king's rule and for an elected Constituent Assembly to write a new constitution, while the Maoists would join peaceful politics.

The 2006 People's Movement (Jana Andolan II)

In April 2006 (Baisakh 2063 BS), the SPA and the Maoists launched a mass movement. For 19 days (roughly 6 to 24 April 2006), huge crowds filled the streets of Kathmandu and other cities in defiance of curfews. The security forces used force, and there were deaths. On 24 April 2006 (11 Baisakh 2063 BS), King Gyanendra gave in and restored the dissolved House of Representatives. The movement is also called the Loktantra Andolan.

Peace and the interim period

• Parliament curbed the king's powers and declared the country a secular state.
• 21 November 2006 (5 Mangsir 2063 BS): the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed between the government and the Maoists, formally ending the conflict.
• The Maoist fighters were confined to cantonments, and the United Nations helped monitor arms and armies.
• An Interim Constitution was promulgated in January 2007, and the Maoists joined the interim government.

The Constituent Assembly and the republic

• The first Constituent Assembly (CA) election was held in April 2008 (Chaitra 2064 BS). The Maoists emerged as the largest party.
• At its first meeting, on 28 May 2008 (15 Jestha 2065 BS), the CA abolished the monarchy and declared Nepal a Federal Democratic Republic. This ended the Shah dynasty, which had ruled since 1768–69.
• Ram Baran Yadav became the first President of Nepal (July 2008).
• The first CA could not agree on a constitution, and was dissolved in May 2012. A second CA election was held in November 2013, in which the Nepali Congress was the largest party.

The earthquake and the constitution

On 25 April 2015 (12 Baisakh 2072 BS), a massive earthquake of magnitude around 7.8 struck Nepal, killing around 9,000 people and damaging hundreds of thousands of homes, with heavy damage in Kathmandu, Gorkha and other districts. In the aftermath, the political parties reached agreements to complete the constitution quickly.

The new Constitution of Nepal was promulgated on 20 September 2015 (3 Ashwin 2072 BS). Its main features include:

• A federal democratic republic with three levels of government: federal, seven provinces and 753 local levels.
• A parliamentary system, with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government.
• A bicameral federal parliament (the House of Representatives and the National Assembly).
• Fundamental rights, a secular state and provisions for inclusion.

The constitution was not welcomed by all, and protests, especially in the Madhesh region, followed in 2015. Local elections under the new constitution took place in 2017, the first in two decades, followed by provincial and federal elections.

Exam focus

• Start of the People's War: 13 February 1996 (1 Falgun 2052 BS), by the CPN (Maoist).
• Royal massacre: 1 June 2001 (19 Jestha 2058 BS).
• Royal takeover: 1 February 2005 (19 Magh 2061 BS).
• 12-point understanding: November 2005.
• Second people's movement: April 2006 (19 days); ended 24 April 2006.
• Comprehensive Peace Agreement: 21 November 2006.
• First CA election: April 2008. Republic declared: 28 May 2008 (15 Jestha 2065 BS).
• First president: Ram Baran Yadav.
• Earthquake: 25 April 2015 (12 Baisakh 2072 BS).
• Constitution promulgated: 20 September 2015 (3 Ashwin 2072 BS); 7 provinces, 753 local levels.

Previous: the Panchayat era and the 1990 movement. Finish the guide with the revision sheet.