A stark contrast presented itself last week in the remote mountainous nation of Nepal this week. One group, the Maoists, have been responsible for a violent insurgency for the past ten years...first against the democratically elected government and then against the king who had declared martial law in 2003. Over 13,000 Nepalese have died in the last ten years due to the Maoist attempt at revolution.The other group, the vast majority of Nepalese, participated in non-violent protests against the dictatorial king the past three weeks. The king threatened to "shoot on sight" anyone who violated his curfew. Some were shot and killed, dying for their cause. But thousands more streamed into the streets peacefully protesting the king's illegal rule and petitioning for a return to democracy.
The peaceful demonstrators accomplished in three weeks what the violent Maoists have not been able to accomplish in ten years...a true transistion toward a government that fairly represents all the people of the nation that is home to Mount Chomolungma (aka Mount Everest).
They accomplished this goal of democracy with only 12 people losing their lives in the cause of freedom. Again, compare this figure to the 13,000 that have died due to the Maoist insurgency.
It remains to be seen if this will be a long term victory for democracy. But it is quite clear that this is another resounding victory for non-violent protest as a means to initiate positive change.
I hope one day to see Mount Everest in person. I'm not planning on making an attempt to summit. I just want to see it. But now, if I ever do get to Nepal, I will realize the Nepalese have demonstrated something much more impressive than climbing earth's tallest mountain. They peacefully and courageously stood up for the rights of humanity without resorting to animal violence.
