Nepalese Civil War

Quick Facts: Who was Nepalese Civil War?

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Nepalese Civil War

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Protracted armed conflict (1996–2006) in Nepal between the monarchy and Maoists.

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Origins & Early Life

The Nepalese Civil War (1996–2006) was a protracted and countrywide armed conflict in the then Kingdom of Nepal between the Kingdom's rulers and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), with the latter making significant use of guerrilla warfare. It began on 13 February 1996, when the CPN(M) initiated an insurgency with the stated purpose of overthrowing the Nepali monarchy and establishing a people's republic. It ended with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord on 21 November 2006. The conflict was characterized by numerous crimes against humanity, including murders, purges, kidnappings, and rapes. More than 17,000 people (including both civilians and armed forces) were killed during the conflict, including over 4,000 Nepalese killed by Maoists from 1996 to 2005, and over 8,200 Nepalese killed by government forces from 1996 to 2005.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The Commission for Investigation of Enforced Disappearances has received 3,093 complaints. On 10 January 1990, the United Left Front (ULF) was formed, which, together with the Nepali Congress, was the backbone of the movement for democratic change. However, communist groups, uncomfortable with the alliance between the ULF and the Congress, formed a parallel front: the United National People's Movement (UNPM). The UNPM called for elections to a constituent assembly, and rejected compromises made by the ULF and the Congress party with the palace. In November 1990, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unity Centre), or CPN(UC), was formed, and included key elements of the UNPM.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

On 21 January 1991, the CPN(UC) set up the United People's Front of Nepal (UPFN), with Baburam Bhattarai as its head, as an open front to contest elections. The CPN(UC) held its first convention on 25 November 1991; it adopted a line of "protracted armed struggle on the route to a new democratic revolution", and decided that the party would remain an underground party. In the 1991 election, the UPFN became the third-largest party in the Nepali parliament. However, disagreements within the UPFN surged, regarding which tactics were to be used by the party. One group, led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), argued for immediate armed revolution, while the other group, led by Nirmal Lama, claimed that Nepal was not yet ripe for armed struggle.On 22 May 1994, the CPN(UC)/UPFN was split in two.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1990: 1990 Milestone — On 10 January 1990, the United Left Front (ULF) was formed, which, together with the Nepali Congress, was the backbone of the movement for democratic change.
2. 1991: 1991 Milestone — On 21 January 1991, the CPN(UC) set up the United People's Front of Nepal (UPFN), with Baburam Bhattarai as its head, as an open front to contest elections.
3. 1994: 1994 Milestone — On 22 May 1994, the CPN(UC)/UPFN was split in two.
4. 1996: 1996 Milestone — The Nepalese Civil War (1996–2006) was a protracted and countrywide armed conflict in the then Kingdom of Nepal between the Kingdom's rulers and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), with the latter making significant use of guerrilla warfare.
5. 2006: 2006 Milestone — It ended with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord on 21 November 2006.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Nepalese Civil War

True or False: “The conflict was solely a battle between the monarchy and communist insurgents without significant civilian involvement.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The conflict involved numerous crimes against humanity, affecting both civilians and armed forces, with over 17,000 people killed.

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