Protests in the Name of Employment Cause Economic and Social Crisis: Mahesh Basnet

Kathmandu, September 18 – UML leader Mahesh Basnet has stated on social media that the recent protests have had a serious impact on the country. He noted that the fires, vandalism, and violence during the protests destroyed public and private property worth billions of rupees and led to the escape of around 14,000 prisoners.

The protests have also directly affected foreign employment. According to Basnet, major employment destinations such as Dubai and South Korea have stopped issuing visit and working visas to Nepali citizens, affecting thousands of workers and their families. This is expected to not only impact employment opportunities for the youth but also reduce remittance inflows to the country.

He added that Genz youths, who were not influenced by Madhav Nepal’s “free visa” and Ravi Lamichhane’s “free ticket,” have now turned to provocative actions in hopes of securing employment opportunities. Basnet described the current situation as “like a heap of straw collapsing when trying to pick it up from the ground.”

He also warned that if the expected opportunities are not provided, there is a high likelihood of anger spreading among the youth.