International: Widespread protests broke out across Nepal on Tuesday, March 25, following the abrupt dismissal of Kulman Ghising, the Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
Ghising was removed from his position on Monday evening, sparking demonstrations that clashed with security forces near the parliament in Kathmandu.
The protesters demanded Ghising’s reinstatement, with tensions escalating as they attempted to breach restricted areas, leading to scuffles with police.
The All Nepal National Independent Students Union (Revolutionary) intensified the demonstrations by burning an effigy of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, denouncing the government’s decision to oust Ghising.
The decision to remove Ghising was finalized during a cabinet meeting at Singha Durbar, where Hitendra Dev Shakya was appointed as the new NEA Managing Director.
Shakya had previously held the position before being replaced by Ghising and had been involved in a prolonged legal battle over his removal. Despite 31 Supreme Court hearings, his case remained unresolved.
Ghising’s dismissal has drawn widespread criticism, with many alleging political interference over institutional stability. The government justified his dismissal by giving him a zero score in the 2023-24 performance evaluation, despite his own assessment reflecting 98.99% marks based on key performance indicators.
Protesters chanted slogans such as “Ujyalo Nepal Zindabad” (Long Live Bright Nepal) and “Adharo Sarkar Murdabad” (Down with the Dark Government). “Kulman Ghising had about three months left in office, but he was removed through a political coup.
With this reactionary move by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, we are back on the streets to protect democracy,” said Narayan Sharma, one of the demonstrators.
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