I just walked around Kathmandu for many hours. These pictures were not taken by me and look worse than they are. But there have been many bandhs (strikes) here with college students protesting and being arrested. Walking around today I saw a dozen students in handcuffs being unloaded from a military truck and marched into a building for, I assume, processing. There was one young woman, around 20, and she looked at me and the policeman escorting her and smiled. The government has failed to ratify a new constitution and is currently considered a failed government in limbo. Students are protesting to get some action taken. (Note: I am being very safe, only staying in well traveled areas, and not taking chances. Besides, I fly to Pokhara and my village tomorrow.
You make a good reporter, James. I hope those student activists can stimulate their country towards healthy governance.
ReplyDeleteAmazing travels. Lincoln School . . . a million miles from Illinois. Wow. Stay safe.