New Delhi, Sept. 14 -- We are told that an 'organic' uprising against corruption broke out in Kathmandu a few weeks ago. The youth, angry with the government, supposedly rushed out of their homes in unison after social media apps were banned, set fire to buildings, nearly killed politicians and toppled the government, all within days. And this happened without anyone in the shadows pulling strings. If the revolt had taken place a few months ago, it would have been enshrined as the 'Nepalese Spring.'

In the first hours of any modern uprising, it always looks like this. The young, Gen-something, some late alphabet, rise violently against injustice, apparently risking their own lives. State forces, despite their weapons and power, are surpr...