On a fateful Friday, December 29, 2023, the car of Prakash Jwala, the Minister for Physical
Infrastructure and Transport, was set ablaze in the Balkumari district, resulting in the
heartbreaking loss of two young lives. The upsetting episode was prompted by a group of
disgruntled youths who, after becoming irritated with the difficulties of their Employment Permit
System (EPS) application forms, resorted to the extreme act of torching the minister’s vehicle.
Birendra Shah, 22, who was injured in the incident, died while undergoing treatment at Patan
Hospital, according to Nepal Police Spokesperson DIG Kuber Kadayat. “Whether he was shot
or not is unknown. “It will be revealed only after the report is received,” DIG Kadayat stated.
Sujan Raut, about 23 years old, died from his injuries at KIST Hospital in Imadole, according to
KIST Chief Operating Officer Amish Pathak. Raut, a Jumla native living in Bhaktapur, was
transported to the hospital after being discovered lying on the road in Balkumari with injuries on
his chest. The hospital’s medical team conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for
almost 45 minutes, but he could not be revived and died.
Fortunately, prompt police intervention saved the minister’s life. Following that, investigators
captured five people linked to the attack.
Following this disturbing episode, the High Court responded to widespread protests relating to
the EPS by issuing an order allowing all individuals to sit the EPS exams. This development
represents a judicial attempt to address the fundamental concerns that are fueling adolescent
anger.
The incident has acted as a spark, reviving conversations concerning youth grievances and
the Employment Permit System. It is expected that the government and pertinent authorities
would now face increased pressure to address the shortcomings in the EPS and implement a
more efficient application procedure. The terrible deaths have made it very clear how urgent it is
to overcome the difficulties applicants have when negotiating the system’s intricacies. In the
In the middle of this sensitive circumstance, authorities must take proactive measures. These actions
are intended not merely to prevent further escalation of violence but also to address the core
reasons of the protests and, ultimately, this unfortunate incident.
The incident sheds insight on the youth’s discontent, who, when confronted with impediments in
the EPS application procedure, resorted to extreme means to vent their rage. The Employment
Permit System, which was intended to govern foreign employment and defend workers’ rights,
has clearly become a cause of aggravation rather than a source of possibilities for these
persons. The High Court’s decision to allow larger participation in EPS exams demonstrates a
recognition of the importance of inclusivity and justice in the employment application process. It
is a start towards acknowledging youth discontent and working towards a more equitable
system. The court’s verdict, however, is simply the beginning. The government and competent
authorities must immediately conduct a thorough examination of the EPS, identifying and correcting the systemic faults that have driven youth dissatisfaction and despair. The terrible
episode serves as a harsh reminder that the stakes are high, and failure to address these
concerns as soon as possible could result in further unrest and fatalities.
In the face of increased pressure, the administration should prioritise open discussion with the
parties who have been wronged. Listening to adolescent concerns, understanding their issues,
and actively incorporating them in the reform process can all help to create effective and long-
lasting solutions. Transparent communication and collaboration with stakeholders are critical for
restoring confidence and cultivating a sense of inclusion.
Proactive steps should go beyond immediate improvements to address the socioeconomic
reasons that contribute to youth dissatisfaction. Investing in education and vocational training,
creating jobs, and guaranteeing a fair and accessible application process for programmes like
EPS are all critical components of a holistic plan. Law enforcement agencies are also crucial in
ensuring peace and order. It is great that those responsible for the attack on the minister’s
vehicle were apprehended so quickly and decisively. Efforts, however, should not be limited to
punitive measures alone. Community policing, involvement, and attempts to foster healthy
connections between law enforcement and youth can all help to avoid future acts of violence.
