Sweeps and stakes in Nepal

Superficially, it is all back to normal.

- ADITI PHADNIS

Regency Watch Pvt Ltd on Kathmandu’s Durbar Marg is the authorised Nepal partner for Cartier, Omega, Hublot, and other luxe brands. It is open for business again. Customers are thronging the Himalayan Java Coffee, Nepal’s own Starbucks.

Both enterprises had to suspend operations on September 9, when they got letters from the local administration, imposing a curfew after the so-called GenZ movement exploded into a 40-hour revolution, which replaced the Prime Minister, suspended Parliament, and torched many public places: The blackened broken windows of the Supreme Court and the pile of burnt-out shells of cars are eerie reminders.

But here’s the thing about Nepal. It has always looked outward regardless of troubles at home. The Nepalese have been among the most enthusiastic participants in South Asia’s international labour force. Foreign remittances continue to contribute nearly 30 per cent to Nepal's gross domestic product. This does not include the informal labour force in India, which is mostly not documented.