How do I travel during strike in Nepal
Many tourists have confusion about traveling during strikes in Nepal. Tourists are 100% safe and allowed to freely travel during any type of strike in Nepal.
Nowadays, Nepal Banda (Strike) is very rare in Nepal. The strike was practiced since the establishment of the multi-party democratic system in Nepal in 1990 A.D. Now, the government of Nepal formed as Federal Democratic Republic Nepal. There are two major parties CPN / Maoist and UML / Nepal Communist Party that run the government. Nepali Congress is one of the largest parties who are outside the government and play the vital role of the opposition party. Any opposition party closely looks after the government and its agenda, demanding their own policy in government. There are other minor parties who used to do strike demanding their certain policy with the government. While the opposition party doesn’t get their demand, then they do strike against the government.
Over the past two decades, strikes were cruel and violent in Nepal, which was the main cause of the civil war in Nepal. People used to go on strike and conflict due to the main cause of joblessness in the past. But nowadays, strikes are quite less in Nepal. After the written Nepal constitution, due to people's awareness and strict security rules of the government, there are very few strikes in Nepal at present.
What is strike “Banda" means?
Strike means “Closed" or Banda in Nepali, which is a way of expressing dissatisfaction with the government‘s policy. During the strike, all public and private vehicles are forced to stop. So, it is difficult for the common people during the strike to survive their daily lives.
A complete tourist guide: How to travel during a strike in Nepal?
The public is badly affected during the strike in Nepal, but any foreigners are allowed to travel freely during the strike. Tourists are means of ambassadors. So, many types of strikes do not cause problems for tourists visiting Nepal. Green and red number plate transportation are open for tourists even during a strike. International and domestic flights, tourist buses, jeeps, cars, vans, and any type of transportation are operational for overseas tourists.
What are the types of strikes / Banda in Nepal?
The strike happens at any time with shortly prior notice but it's very rare in the present context of Nepal. Generally, there are different types of strikes in Nepal which are shortly listed below
National strike or Political strike
All government officials and private businesses are almost closed during the national strike or political strike. The entire public and private vehicles are forced to stop due to security reasons. Only emergency vehicles are allowed to run.
Regional strike
Regional or city strike only affects a certain part of the country's area. Tourists have to be aware during the regional strike while traveling regarding public transportation.
Fuel strike
Fuel strike occurs during the shortage of fuel and high fuel prices. While there is conflict and strike around the border, there is an effect of fuel strike even if there is a shortage in the whole country.
Student strike
Student strike is connected with the national education policy of students. They raise issues like the high price of commodities, controlling the black market, and fuel prices, etc.
Nepal has no religious strike, indigenous people's strike, or class strike. Any types of strikes affect people and close roads.
Why are there so many strikes in Nepal?
Nepal has had a multi-party political system since its establishment in 1990. Strikes sometimes happen in Nepal due to the multi-party democracy system. People go on strike to demand their rights and policies in Nepal's constitution. Nepal has around 18 major and minor political parties. People go on strike to demand their needs. Strikes like indigenous people's strike, student strike, fuel price rise strike, food price rise strike, political party strike, local business strike, and transportation strike are normal in Nepal.
What to do and not do during a strike in Nepal?
- Avoid large crowds and demonstrations. If you encounter a demonstration, do not attempt to pass through or stop to watch.
- If you are in your hotel or accommodation, stay inside until the demonstration or strike has passed.
- If you need assistance, contact your embassy or consulate.