Communist revolution underway in Nepal

Nepal, the Himalayan state sandwiched between India and China, is undergoing the world's first socialist revolution in years. Just as people all around the world are turning their backs on autocratic, monetarist and right-wing governments, the oppressed workers of Nepal are rising against a despotic and hated king.

Over the last ten years, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), or CPN(M), and many of Nepal's citizens have been struggling to create a democratic socialist republic and bring an end to a corrupt monarchical system which has been. propped up by the USA, UK and EU.

As the Nepalese government's fear has increased, they have used more and more desperate measures to try to repress the popular movement against them. Having overthrown parliament, King Gyanendra now rules as a military dictator. All 'dissent' against the king is deemed a criminal offence. newpapers accused of supporting the communists have been closed down and hundreds - possibly thousands - of people have been 'disappeared' for interrogation... never to return home.

The CPN(M) has already made real changes to improve the lives of workers in the zones it controls. Though they are by no means perfect, they are streets ahead of the mob who have controlled this poor country for so long.

A much fuller (and better written) account of the Revolution is available at this blog, and this Wikipedia page.

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