Nepal, Feb. 22 -- In the face of diverse triggers, people are venting discontent in multiple ways. What is interesting about these forms of expression is that they are intricately tied to the return of the repressed.

As a solution to the Maoist conflict and waves of identity-based political movements, Nepal abolished the monarchy, promoted social inclusion, introduced proportional representation, established a federal structure and adopted secularism. These solutions, once seen as political settlements between different political forces, are now being portrayed as agendas forced by the West.

Now, with the domination of mainstream political parties, primarily the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal-UML, the voices that have ...