In a troubling escalation, vehicles linked to Nepal’s ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party blocked media offices, amid protests over a ride-hailing driver’s self-immolation and heavy-handed evictions of squatters, raising alarms over press freedom and governance under PM Balen Shah.

On Monday morning, suspicious vehicles deliberately parked outside the gates of three major media outlets in Kathmandu disrupted operations and ignited widespread condemnation, highlighting deepening tensions between Nepal’s ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)-led government and critics of its policies.

The incident, widely viewed as an attempt to intimidate the press, occurred as protests swelled over the self-immolation of a ride-hailing driver and the forceful relocation of landless squatters, testing the “human face” of Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah’s administration.

Vehicles Block Media Access in Coordinated Move

Early on July 13, vehicles were found blocking the entrances to Kantipur Media Group, Onlinekhabar, and Himalaya TV. Investigations revealed that one vehicle was linked to Ravi Jaiswal, a member of the RSP’s Central Research and Documentation Department. Police later took the vehicle into custody amid an ongoing probe.

The Federation of Nepali Journalists and the Gen Z Journalist Forum swiftly condemned the action as “political vendetta” aimed at silencing coverage of government shortcomings, including the self-immolation of Ganesh Nepali and police actions against youth activists.

Nepal Police faced sharp criticism for their inaction, reportedly citing the need for “orders from above” before removing the vehicles. This lethargy contrasted with the force used elsewhere against protesters.

The RSP issued a statement distancing itself, condemning any attempts to undermine press freedom and calling for a thorough investigation. However, it stopped short of directly addressing the vehicle linked to its member.

Similar suspicious parking was reported outside other locations, including the residence of Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa, amplifying concerns about coordinated intimidation.

Tragic Self-Immolation Highlights Policy Failures

The media blockade unfolded against the backdrop of public outrage over the death of Ganesh Nepali, a 25-year-old ride-hailing driver who set himself on fire following repeated harassment by municipal and traffic police over minor violations and fines.

According to reports, Nepali, already in debt and struggling as a daily wage earner, faced yet another Rs1,000 fine. Overwhelmed, he chose self-immolation. His family attributed the act to aggressive policing under the new government, which has ramped up fines – sometimes threatening up to Rs100,000 for violations – to enforce order.

This tragedy has become a flashpoint, symbolizing the disproportionate burden on Nepal’s poorest citizens. While middle and upper classes may tolerate stricter enforcement, those earning meagre incomes like Nepali find steep fines devastating.

Squatters’ Plight and Brutal Crackdown on Activists

Compounding the crisis is the government’s eviction of thousands of landless squatters from Kathmandu settlements. Promised swift resettlement, families instead languished in inadequate temporary shelters. Monsoon flooding worsened their misery, leading to at least two additional suicides among the displaced.

Youth activists Majid Ansari, Sarishma Thapa, and Nelson Ghatani visited a holding centre in Kirtipur to support flood-affected evictees. Police assaulted Ansari, who required hospitalisation, while forcing the others to sign pledges against future protests. Authorities have given conflicting accounts of his custody status.

Broader suppression includes the arrest of 26 people in Morang for a peaceful sit-in, detention of critic Durga Prasai at the airport, and use of the Electronic Transactions Act against social media users and YouTubers voicing dissent.

Shah Government’s Balancing Act Under Scrutiny

Prime Minister Balen Shah, backed by the RSP, rose to prominence on a platform of efficiency, generational change, and anti-corruption. His government has delivered improvements like faster driving license issuance and better staffing at public institutions, appealing to urban middle classes.

However, editorials in the Kathmandu Post question whether this pursuit of order has come at the expense of compassion. The Shah administration is accused of losing its “human face” by prioritizing aesthetics and enforcement over humane solutions for the vulnerable.

Sections of Gen Z protesters, once key supporters in Shah’s ascent (including against previous Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli), are now turning against him. Demonstrations demand his resignation, citing evictions of around 15,000 squatters, the driver’s death, and police brutality. Opposition parties, including elements within the ruling coalition, have joined calls for accountability.

Implications for Democracy and Press Freedom

Analysts warn that these events signal a dangerous pattern. Blocking media access, detaining critics, and aggressive policing risk eroding the democratic gains Nepal has fought hard to secure. The right to peaceful dissent and information flow are foundational, yet appear under threat when inconvenient truths emerge.

The RSP, which once positioned itself as a reformist force against traditional parties, faces accusations of centralization and intolerance for criticism – ironically mirroring traits it once decried.

Opponents now demand for the police to operate independently, not as tools of political protection. They have called for transparent investigations into the vehicle blockade, and holding those responsible accountable, regardless of affiliation.

As protests continue, the government faces a pivotal test: addressing root causes like inadequate resettlement, traffic infrastructure, and economic support for the poor, or double down on suppression. Power sustained by fear, as one editorial noted, remains fragile.

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