Shoutbox » Nepal: Unrest into 4th day
From what I can see, Nepal's latest crisis isn't getting much international coverage. A few correspondents' updates are hidden in the South Asia pages of international news agencies' websites, but you've got to search for them. I'm not up to providing a concise background of the situation or timely updates, the situation is simply too complicated. So instead, here is a short reading list:
For a basic overview: BBC correspondent Joanna Jolly's updates are occasionally summarised on the website, offering as good an introduction as any.
For daily updates and a digest of the stories coming in from the roaming reporters and (brilliant) photos from the snappers, check Nepali Times' The Brief.
The Nepal wires offer more frequent updates, several each day.
In his blog, leading Nepali publisher Kunda Dixit explains that the progression of the nation-wide general strike, now into its fourth day, follows the law of diminishing returns. The slowing momentum of the bandh, as it is called here, is changing the game. As the Maoists fail to make the impact through sheer numbers, incidences of violence are increasing. But as Mr Dixit argues, the instruments of terror and exploitation have been central to the Maoist operations from the beginning.
A very interesting article I came across was this one: the plight of the rural people brought into the capital through conviction, bribes and blackmail to protest for the Maoists.
The other main English-language dailies are The Himalayan Times, Republica and Kathmandu Post. All have regularly posted new articles.
Posted By Alexis on Wednesday 5th May 2010 a 06:48am
2 Shoutbacks Made
5th May 10 @ 11:08amShouted By Chris Hylland
You're right Alexis, back here in the UK we are hearing very little about Nepal and the unrest you talk about, so thanks for providing some interesting links 
6th May 10 @ 01:21pmShouted By Alexis
6th April Update - 5th day:
Since yesterday afternoon Kathmandu locals have started responding to and mobilising against the Maoists. Frustrated by the continued forced closures of all businesses, shops and schools and the barring of vehicles on the road, some of the capital's inhabitants have begun to defy the bandha and open their shops, despite serious threat of arson of vandalism.
Large groups of locals have formed to try to expel the Maoists protestors from their neighbourhoods, leading to confrontations and violence. The locals are more numerous, but the Maoists, especially the youth groups are more heavily armed (with knives and bamboo sticks) and better organised.
The armed police have started using tear gas to disburse crowds.
The rain will hopefully quieten things down temporally, but the situation is expected to worsen.
