A campaign demanding the arrest of former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has gone viral on social media. Since Saturday afternoon, social media users have been using the hashtag #ArrestPrachanda to express their demand.
How Did the Arrest Trends Start?
The trend began in response to another hashtag, #ArrestGyanendra, which started on Saturday. This was aimed at former King Gyanendra Shah, holding him responsible for the violence during a royalist protest in Kathmandu’s Tinkune area on Friday. The protest resulted in the deaths of two people and involved acts of arson, looting, and vandalism. Social media users demanded that the former king take responsibility for the incidents.
Royalists Counter With #ArrestPrachanda
In response, royalist supporters launched their own campaign, demanding the arrest of Prachanda. They argue that he should be held accountable for the thousands of deaths during the Maoist insurgency (1996-2006) and the 2006 People’s Movement.
Trending on Social Media
The #ArrestPrachanda hashtag is now trending on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, with thousands of users engaging in the debate.