KATHMANDU: Former Prime Minister and Chairman of Naya Shakti Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has strongly criticized both the government and the protesting teachers, stating that the future of nearly five million students is being put at risk due to the government’s irresponsibility and the teachers’ insensitivity.

In a social media post, Dr. Bhattarai expressed deep concern over the ongoing teachers’ movement, calling the conduct of both sides “highly condemnable.”

Drawing a stark comparison, he wrote: “If even the most devastating and cruel wars can be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, then why can’t a conflict between the government—the guardian of the nation—and the teachers, the givers of light and knowledge, be resolved through serious talks and some patience?”

He emphasized that if the government finds it difficult to address all the demands immediately, it should at least commit to implementing previous agreements without delay, and promise to fulfill the remaining demands within a clear timeframe.

Addressing the teachers directly, Bhattarai acknowledged their spiritual and moral duty: “Teachers, who embody the essence of ‘Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Gurudev Maheshwara’, have a responsibility to act in the best interest of their students—as if they were their own children. Postponing their agitation until after the Class 12 exams and enrollment period would not cause the sky to fall.”

However, in a stern warning, he added: “If this ‘war of lice’ ends up destroying the already fragile state of public education and leaves the country devoid of youth, history will not forgive anyone.”

Dr. Bhattarai’s remarks come amid rising tensions between the government and teachers’ unions, whose ongoing protests have disrupted academic activities nationwide.