As protests continue in the country for nearly three months, schools have been closed, and blockade has led to a shortage of fuel and medicine.
In September, Nepal passed a new constitution that had been years in the making. But a large group of people living in the southern plains of Nepal, locally known as Madhes, which is bordered by India, had been protesting against the constitution long before it was even adopted. Those living in Madhes consider the constitution discriminatory, and say it ignores the marginalized groups in the country. So, they have been asking the government to make a set of amendments in the document.
Their unhappiness that began with a set of demands since has morphed into anger, then agitation, followed by protests which have brought Nepal's southern region to a standstill for nearly three months now. Since August, at least 45 people have been killed, including children who were shot by security forces, and police officers, who were hacked to death by a violent mob.
Soon after Nepal announced its new constitution, India said that it was experiencing problems sending supplies into Nepal, citing security threats due to protests near the border areas.
![Soon after Nepal announced its new constitution, India said that it was experiencing problems sending supplies into Nepal, citing security threats due to protests near the border areas.]()
Indian trucks have been stuck at the border, unable to enter Nepal for months now.
Diptendu Dutta / AFP / Getty Images
Nepalis say that India has deliberately imposed a blockade, which has continued for the last two months, making them suffer from shortage of daily necessities, including fuel and medicine. Meanwhile, protests have led to closing of schools in many areas of southern Nepal.
View Entire List ›
