“You may speak, but can you speak wisely?”
“You may protest, but can you do so without giving them an excuse to silence you?”
Article 17 of the Constitution of Nepal guarantees Freedom of Expression. It also introduces reasonable restrictions, which of course, can be misused. About two weeks ago, a popular YouTube channel, In-Depth Story (IDS) had to close its merchandise store IDS Wears for selling T-shirts with the slogan Kera Ganatantra (Banana Republic) for “disturbing the sovereignty, national unity, and dignity of the country, and so on.” The slogan was provocative and somewhat double meaning. But did it have to be banned? I don’t think so.
Around a month back, Rama Basnet from Khotang was arrested for expressing her frustration towards politicians in few TikTok videos. The words she chose mocked a politician’s disability. However, she got support from the opposition party because of the way she was arrested.
These examples speak volumes about the awareness of the constitution and laws we have as citizen. We know we can speak, but we often don’t know how to speak. We’ve heard of rights, but rarely do we hear about the restrictions that come along with them. And that’s when we trip over.
How to speak in an oppressive political environment?
Let’s get straight to it. Here are a few principles that might save our voice and case, while upholding the law.
1. Say Less. Mean More.
Power doesn’t like being called out, but artists and writers use often use metaphors, satire, and symbolism to mock it.
George Orwell’s Animal Farm is truly metaphoric and symbolic. Using pigs, horses, and other farm animals, Orwell mocks Soviet Communism and warns how an ideal can become exploitative.
Another symbolism I vividly remember is that of a new politician in Sanjeev Upreti’s Ghanachakkar. When there is an announcement that a flawless leader has arrived in Kathmandu, the narrator goes to see him. However, in no time, the leader turns into an onion. The multi-layered towering onion is a metaphor for secrecy, corruption, and inflated ego of politicians in Nepal.
So, our best bet is to be poetic and ambiguous. Let the reader add two and two.
But can satire backfire?
Did you notice the word “bet”? Actually, I am reminded of Krishna Lal Adhikari’s story. He was a Nayab Subba during the rule of Chandra Shamsher. His duties in the field of agriculture gave him a lot of knowledge on maize plantation and published a scientific book titled, “Makai ko Kheti.” Some sycophants, however, saw it as a mockery against Chandra Shamsher and his generals. Although Adhikari never meant to satire, he was tried and imprisoned for nine years until he died of tuberculosis.
So, yeah. We still need to be careful while using symbols and metaphors.
2. Displace the Target
We don’t talk about today’s leaders directly. Talking about a character or an imaginary village or a tyrannical ruler from history will work. Readers will connect the dots. Not everything needs to be spelled out.
But we still need to remember Krishna Lal Adhikari and be cautious.
3. Borrow Their Language
The safest thing we can do is use the Constitution, parliamentary and other recorded speeches. We can quote government slogans back at them. When the system tries to silence you, reply with its own words. Just like the leaders and stooges owned the insult of Jhole as a treasure, we should own up the laws and use them to our advantage. It’s hard to arrest someone for saying what’s written or in accordance with the law.
We should use your rights and stand tall before the law. But power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. We should be careful not to assume the state will honour them fairly.
4. Protest Creatively, Not Predictably
Instead of shouting in front of microphones, we can try standing silently with a placard. Ujjwal Thapa and his party did it successfully. We can also post an ironic meme or writing a children’s story (like Orwell) that says what the editorial can’t.
From Occupy Baluwatar to Jayatu Sanskritam, peaceful creativity has always been harder to crush than violent slogans.
5. Build a Chorus
One person speaking is a complaint. Ten thousand people speaking is a movement. If you’re afraid of being targeted, amplify others—and let them amplify you. Even whisper campaigns can be effective when they echo.
But It’s Still Dangerous
Today, we can be investigated for a Facebook post, dragged into court over a short story, and even labelled a traitor for asking questions. I’ve felt the chill myself while writing. I wonder at times: Is this going too far? Will this get me in trouble?
This Isn’t Fair!
Yes, nobody should have to think this hard before speaking. But when expression is policed, speech must become strategy.
This isn’t a call for cowardice. It’s a call for craft.
This isn’t about avoiding the truth. It’s about delivering it smartly enough to survive.
Speak. Silence protects no one. But speak like you know someone powerful is listening. And looking for an excuse to catch you.
And yet, here I am.
Because what’s the alternative? Silence? Cynicism? That’s not living. That’s waiting.
To Speak Is to Build Justice
The truth is: oppression isn’t just about silencing people. It’s about systemic injustice. It’s about making them believe that speech doesn’t matter. That it won’t change anything. But it does. It always has.
Change begins with someone saying, This is wrong.
It grows when someone else says, I agree.
And it becomes unstoppable when people say it together even if they just have to whisper.
