Kathmandu — Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader Shishir Khanal has called for resolving Nepal’s current political crisis by safeguarding the constitution and forming a new government within its framework.
In a statement issued on Thursday following two days of protests, Khanal stressed that the ongoing movement must advance through democratic means while keeping the constitution intact.
Recalling the political upheaval in Sri Lanka, Khanal said: “When the people’s movement forced the rulers to step down there, a new government was formed without dismantling the constitution. Following elections, relatively younger leadership emerged. That is an example we should also learn from.”
Message to Gen Z Protesters
Addressing Nepal’s Gen Z protesters, Khanal urged them not to be drawn into the “politics of negation.”
“Let us seek solutions through dialogue and cooperation with all sides. Positions and power are temporary; what matters more are issues of personal, collective, and national security,” he said.
Acknowledges Need for Amendments
Amid growing debate about constitutional change, Khanal admitted that some amendments may be necessary but insisted the process must remain in the hands of elected representatives.
“The constitution was created by a democratically elected Constituent Assembly. Any amendment must also be carried out through the same democratic process. That is what democracy stands for,” he stated.
Khanal further cautioned that political power gained through violence cannot endure. “No matter how strong it appears, power achieved through violence never lasts long. Our path must be collective healing, reconciliation, and nonviolence,” he said.
He also emphasized the responsibility to protect not only those who were killed or injured during the protests but also families in villages whose homes were burned and lives disrupted. “We must be their voice as well,” Khanal added.
