Issue and Opponent: In 2001, the Nepalese royal family was massacred and King Gyanendra succeeded to the throne. He immediately abolished the Nepalese Parliament and assumed full power. From this, the democratic movement emerged. The Seven Party Alliance (SPA) was a coalition of opposition leaders, including members of the dissolved Parliament, who sought to reinstate multiparty democracy by reestablishing Parliament, holding elections, and creating a Constituent Assembly.
Dilemma Action: The SPA started a nationwide general strike from April 5-9, 2006. They were protesting King Gyanendra’s emergency placement on the throne. Economic life in Nepal was brought to a standstill during the four-day strike. They halted all forms of enterprises and workplace activities, transport, intellectual/professional, informal, civic services, hotels and tourism, agricultural, and construction industries. The government responded by enacting a daytime curfew. Hundreds of Nepalese citizens were arrested for defying the decree.
Outcomes: Protests and marches continued despite government repression. The United States and India were vocal supporters of the strikers and condemned the police violence. On April 21, 2001, King Gyanendra announced his plan to return the political power to the people. He asked the leaders of SPA to nominate a new Prime Minister to the cabinet. The strike was crucial in the country’s transition into a democracy.