Nepal Civil War (1996-2006)

A decade-long conflict that reshaped Nepal's political destiny

  • Also called: Maoist Insurgency / People's War in Nepal
  • Duration: February 13, 1996 - November 21, 2006
  • Main Parties: Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) vs. Government of Nepal (Monarchy & Parliamentary parties)
  • Death Toll: ~17,000+ people
  • Displaced: Over 100,000 people internally

Background

Despite the introduction of democracy after the 1990 People's Movement, Nepal still faced:

  • Extreme poverty and social inequality
  • Feudal land systems and corruption
  • Neglected rural populations
  • Weak governance

The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) and Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, launched a “People's War” on February 13, 1996 to abolish the monarchy and establish a People's Republic.

Key Phases of the War

PhaseHighlights
1996-2001Guerrilla warfare in rural areas (Rolpa, Rukum, Jajarkot); Maoists gain territory
2001Royal Massacre; ceasefire attempt fails
2002-2004Escalation; emergency declared, parliament dissolved
2005King Gyanendra takes full control; urban protests rise
2006Jana Andolan II; Maoists and political parties unite

Key Events

  • Royal Palace Massacre (2001): Crown Prince Dipendra allegedly kills 10 royals, including King Birendra
  • People's Movement II (2006): 19-day protest that restored democracy
  • Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA): Signed on Nov 21, 2006; officially ends the war

Aftermath & Impact

AreaChange
Monarchy AbolishedNepal became a Federal Democratic Republic in 2008
Maoists in PoliticsFormer rebels joined mainstream; Prachanda became PM
Weapons SurrenderedMaoists gave up arms under UN supervision
Transitional JusticeTRC set up but has had limited success
Societal ImpactWidespread trauma, missing persons, broken families

Legacy Today

  • The war dismantled the monarchy and gave rise to a republic
  • Former rebels now hold government positions
  • Debates continue on justice and reconciliation
  • Class, caste, gender, and ethnic issues were brought into focus

Quick Timeline

YearEvent
1996Maoist insurgency begins
2001Royal massacre shocks nation
2005King Gyanendra suspends democracy
2006Peace deal signed
2008Monarchy abolished; Nepal becomes a republic

Did You Know?

  • Over 40% of Maoist fighters were women
  • Many rural schools, health posts, and police stations were destroyed during the war
  • The term “People's War (Janayuddha)” still holds political significance today