Nepal Erupts: Thousands Take to Streets as Controversial Guthi Bill Sparks Nationwide Fury

A storm of dissent has swept across Nepal, as thousands of citizens, indigenous groups, and cultural activists take to the streets in a powerful display of outrage against the controversial Guthi Bill. What began as localized protests has rapidly escalated into a nationwide movement, demanding not just the withdrawal, but the complete scrapping of a proposed law perceived as a direct assault on traditional land ownership, cultural heritage, and religious trusts.

The heart of the matter lies in the deeply entrenched Guthi system – a network of socio-religious trusts that have historically managed community land and supported various cultural and religious practices, often dating back centuries.

For Nepal’s indigenous communities, these Guthi lands are not merely property; they are the bedrock of their identity, traditions, and livelihoods. The proposed Guthi Bill sought to nationalize these trusts, placing them under a new, government-controlled authority. Critics vehemently argue that this move would effectively strip indigenous communities of their ancestral lands, dismantle their cultural autonomy, and pave the way for land grabbing and commercial exploitation.

Despite the government's swift decision to withdraw the contentious bill in response to the initial wave of public anger, the protests have only intensified.

Demonstrators view the withdrawal as a mere tactical retreat, not a genuine commitment to protecting their rights. Their demands have now broadened, calling for the immediate and unconditional scrapping of the bill and, significantly, the resignation of Land Reform Minister Padma Kumari Aryal, whom they hold responsible for introducing the contentious legislation.

The capital city, Kathmandu, has become the epicentre of this burgeoning crisis.

Streets that once buzzed with daily life are now filled with chanting crowds, confronting heavy police deployments. Scenes of clashes have become increasingly common, with security forces resorting to water cannons, tear gas, and baton charges to disperse protestors. Numerous arrests have been made, and reports of injuries among both protestors and police officers highlight the volatile nature of the demonstrations.

Authorities have imposed curfews in several parts of Kathmandu and other affected districts, attempting to quell the unrest, while reports also indicate temporary bans on social media in specific regions, raising concerns about freedom of expression.

The ripple effects of the Guthi Bill crisis are now felt far beyond Kathmandu.

Protests have erupted in major cities and towns across the country, uniting diverse segments of society – from farmers and cultural experts to student activists and political opposition parties. The political landscape is abuzz with activity, as opposition leaders throw their weight behind the protestors, seizing the opportunity to challenge the ruling government.

The crisis has put immense pressure on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's administration, facing accusations of undermining cultural heritage and failing to understand the sentiments of its own people.

As the standoff continues, the future of Nepal's cultural trusts and indigenous lands hangs precariously in the balance.

The ongoing protests underscore a deep-seated struggle for identity, autonomy, and justice, demonstrating the unwavering resolve of a people determined to protect their heritage against what they perceive as an existential threat.