A mass protest at Basundhara, Kathmandu, Nepal (Pic: Bimal Sharma/www.inseconline.org)
The indefinite general strike in Nepal demanding democracy and an end to rule by the king was entering its third week as Socialist Worker went to press.
In defiance of curfew orders, protesters have taken to the streets every day. The army has retaliated with rubber bullets and live rounds – causing thousands of casualties.
Far from deterring the movement, the repression seems to have led to new forces joining the struggle.
Neighbouring states, and the US, are increasingly worried that the intransigence of the king will lead to a revolutionary overthrow of the monarchy in which Maoist rebels, who control most of the countryside, will play a significant role.