Prime Minister Walendra Shah had stated during Buddha Jayanti that true revolution begins with knowledge. However, Gen Z activist Raksya Bam responded by quoting the Prime Minister’s remark and asserting that true revolution starts with compassion. The government’s use of bulldozers to demolish the riverside squatter settlements in Kathmandu and the subsequent relocation of those residents to holding centers has sparked nationwide debate.
On 19th Baisakh in Kathmandu, Prime Minister Walendra Shah (commonly known as Balen) had said that true revolution begins not with ‘k’ but with ‘gy’ (knowledge), emphasizing that it is knowledge that initiates change. In response, activist Raksya Bam wrote, “True revolution starts with ‘k’, Prime Minister, and that ‘k’ stands for compassion.”
The government’s demolition of the riverside settlement without clear and long-term management plans, coupled with forcing those residing in the area into holding centers under difficult circumstances, has triggered criticism and discussions nationwide.
On one hand, the government leadership advocates a philosophical message of knowledge and peace. On the other hand, there is a glaring contradiction in their actions—displacing impoverished and marginalized citizens from their homes and placing them in uncomfortable holding centers. Political and social critics interpret this as a lack of humanity and compassion, mounting an ideological challenge to the Prime Minister’s discourse on knowledge.
Civil society groups and youth activists have been pressuring the government to only proceed with the clearance of settlements after guaranteeing appropriate alternatives and secure housing for displaced residents. This issue continues to provoke extensive public debate from multiple perspectives.
