In recent weeks, Nepal has been shaken by large-scale protests and demonstrations that culminated in the resignation of the Prime Minister, the appointment of the country’s first female leader, and the destruction of government buildings and institutions.
To better understand how these dramatic events are reshaping politics, society, and the media landscape, we spoke with Sajana Baral, Sub-Editor at Kantipur Daily and The Kathmandu Post.
-Many are calling this a turning point for Nepal. Do you see it that way?
-Regarding your curiosity about the turning point, it is definitely one. Nepal tends to have its political base changed almost every decade, and this happened recently as well. In the past, such movements used to be carried out by young people, but there would be political thinkers and leaders making the strategy and bargaining. This time, young people took to the streets. Whatever the reason may be, people were frustrated with the current system in place.
Although Nepal made some significant progress to ensure the democratic system, people’s aspirations for development were falling short. Things are okay for now but still volatile. The majority of common people view this as a rebellion against widespread corruption and the status quo of political leadership. For now, it looks like the young people have made their point in a significant manner.
But we need to watch the next few months, whether democracy remains strong, whether the constitution remains at the center, and whether new elections are held on time in a free and fair way. Meanwhile, there is a lot of reconstruction to do. Security-wise, things are relatively calm, and people are trying to return to their normal lives.
-Nepal has just appointed its first female Prime Minister. How are people reacting?
-People wanted a sense of central institution, democratic control, and normalcy. So, they are hopeful. Regarding the woman, diplomats, Nepalis living abroad, and activists, along with the younger generations, sound excited. For common people, it feels like the end of anarchy and looting, which has brought some relief. She was already a known figure, so people seem okay with her as of now.
-How has the uprising affected people’s daily lives?
-It has affected daily lives in a huge way. As the government buildings, ministries, shopping malls, and police stations were burnt down to ashes, it impacts everybody. Government archives, systems, legal documents, and infrastructures are all gone. It’s going to be a tough year.
Civic responsibility is affected as well. People seem to be okay with the leaders being attacked, but the majority look sad and lament the destruction of history and public infrastructure. People are also worried about the thousands of criminals who fled from jails.
-What challenges did you face as a journalist during this uprising?
-Many. First, we were attacked and our office was burned down in targeted vandalism. We lost our main server for four days, the English version is still offline, and we are bound to work from home for I don’t know how long. Salaries will be irregular, and we don’t know if we can rebuild the newsroom again, or when.
Even in the field, we were abused and cursed for asking questions. Regular social media abuse is normal, but the mob looked determined to make our work harder. I am personally safe, but my team members were shot and injured, attacked inside newsrooms, and had to flee with trauma.
-Do you think the media played an important role in informing the public and holding the leaders accountable during this crisis?
-Not immediately. Things happened so quickly that everybody, including the media, was caught off guard. But now, slowly, after recovering from the initial trauma, they are asking tough questions and trying to hold people accountable. It’s not easy, but the media was instrumental in providing people with emergency notices, information, and the latest updates in the hours of anarchy.
Some clickbaiters used this time to get more likes, but the majority of the media stood behind democratic processes asking questions and demanding accountability.
-What will be the biggest challenges for Nepal in the coming months?
-Many challenges. The big businesses that used to sponsor media events and content are on their knees. Newsrooms were attacked and vandalized, and it will take time to recover. Already struggling, credible media houses will further struggle as content creators with a mic are becoming more powerful, they will say anything for engagement.
Misinformation has become hugely beneficial in both monetary and political ways. That makes the future of responsible journalism in Nepal even more uncertain.
-Thank you for the interview.
In recent weeks, Nepal has been shaken by large-scale protests and demonstrations that culminated in the resignation of the Prime Minister, the appointment of the country’s first female leader, and the destruction of government buildings and institutions.
To better understand how these dramatic events are reshaping politics, society, and the media landscape, we spoke with Sajana Baral, Sub-Editor at Kantipur Daily and The Kathmandu Post.
-Many are calling this a turning point for Nepal. Do you see it that way?
-Regarding your curiosity about the turning point, it is definitely one. Nepal tends to have its political base changed almost every decade, and this happened recently as well. In the past, such movements used to be carried out by young people, but there would be political thinkers and leaders making the strategy and bargaining. This time, young people took to the streets. Whatever the reason may be, people were frustrated with the current system in place.
Although Nepal made some significant progress to ensure the democratic system, people’s aspirations for development were falling short. Things are okay for now but still volatile. The majority of common people view this as a rebellion against widespread corruption and the status quo of political leadership. For now, it looks like the young people have made their point in a significant manner.
But we need to watch the next few months, whether democracy remains strong, whether the constitution remains at the center, and whether new elections are held on time in a free and fair way. Meanwhile, there is a lot of reconstruction to do. Security-wise, things are relatively calm, and people are trying to return to their normal lives.
-Nepal has just appointed its first female Prime Minister. How are people reacting?
-People wanted a sense of central institution, democratic control, and normalcy. So, they are hopeful. Regarding the woman, diplomats, Nepalis living abroad, and activists, along with the younger generations, sound excited. For common people, it feels like the end of anarchy and looting, which has brought some relief. She was already a known figure, so people seem okay with her as of now.
-How has the uprising affected people’s daily lives?
-It has affected daily lives in a huge way. As the government buildings, ministries, shopping malls, and police stations were burnt down to ashes, it impacts everybody. Government archives, systems, legal documents, and infrastructures are all gone. It’s going to be a tough year.
Civic responsibility is affected as well. People seem to be okay with the leaders being attacked, but the majority look sad and lament the destruction of history and public infrastructure. People are also worried about the thousands of criminals who fled from jails.
-What challenges did you face as a journalist during this uprising?
-Many. First, we were attacked and our office was burned down in targeted vandalism. We lost our main server for four days, the English version is still offline, and we are bound to work from home for I don’t know how long. Salaries will be irregular, and we don’t know if we can rebuild the newsroom again, or when.
Even in the field, we were abused and cursed for asking questions. Regular social media abuse is normal, but the mob looked determined to make our work harder. I am personally safe, but my team members were shot and injured, attacked inside newsrooms, and had to flee with trauma.
-Do you think the media played an important role in informing the public and holding the leaders accountable during this crisis?
-Not immediately. Things happened so quickly that everybody, including the media, was caught off guard. But now, slowly, after recovering from the initial trauma, they are asking tough questions and trying to hold people accountable. It’s not easy, but the media was instrumental in providing people with emergency notices, information, and the latest updates in the hours of anarchy.
Some clickbaiters used this time to get more likes, but the majority of the media stood behind democratic processes asking questions and demanding accountability.
-What will be the biggest challenges for Nepal in the coming months?
-Many challenges. The big businesses that used to sponsor media events and content are on their knees. Newsrooms were attacked and vandalized, and it will take time to recover. Already struggling, credible media houses will further struggle as content creators with a mic are becoming more powerful, they will say anything for engagement.
Misinformation has become hugely beneficial in both monetary and political ways. That makes the future of responsible journalism in Nepal even more uncertain.
-Thank you for the interview.