NEW DELHI: At least 100 protesters were detained after pro-monarchist agitation turned violent following clashes with security personnel in Nepal’s Kathmandu.
The unrest left two people dead, including a journalist, and over 30 others injured, prompting authorities to impose a curfew and call in the army.
The curfew was lifted on Friday and has been lifted from 7 am on Saturday, according to a notice issued by the Kathmandu District Administration Office.
Why are Nepalis protesting?
The pro-monarchist agitators were demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy and a Hindu kingdom, which was abolished in 2008 as part of a peace deal that ended a decade-long civil war in which more than 16,000 people were killed.
Nepalis blame corruption, economic struggles, and instability for their frustration, leading to renewed calls for the return of the monarchy.
The monarchists have been demanding the restoration of the monarchy since the former king appealed for support in a video message telecast on Democracy Day (February 19).
The pro-monarchy activists also held a rally on March 9 in support of the former king, who landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport from Pokhara after visiting religious places in different parts of the country.
The government also decided to take all necessary steps to curb possible demonstrations and protests by pro-monarchy and pro-Hindu parties, a minister told the Post.
The Nepal cabinet meeting on Friday condemned the killings and discussed the “evolving security situation” following protests in the Tinkune area near Koteshwar, Kathmandu.
“It has become crystal clear that Gyanendra Shah (the last reigning king of Nepal) is behind all these acts. Gyanendra Shah’s intent is culpable. It is time for the government to take strict action,” said former PM of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda.’
“An investigation should be conducted to bring the criminals to justice, and Gyanendra Shah cannot be spared—given absolute freedom, it is unacceptable for the Nepali citizens, and the government should be serious about this issue,” he added.
What turned the protests violent?
According to authorities, the demonstration turned violent after Durga Prasai, the convenor of the agitation, broke the security barricade, riding a bulletproof vehicle, and headed towards Baneshwor, where the Parliament building is located.
Those arrested included the general secretary of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Dhawal Shumsher Rana, and a central member of the party, Rabindra Mishra, among others.
Prasai, the key person behind the violent demonstration, is at large, Superintendent of Police of Kathmandu District Police Range Apil Bohara said.
According to the police, 53 police personnel, 22 Armed Police Force personnel, and 35 protestors were injured in Friday’s incident.
During the violent demonstration, 14 buildings were set on fire and nine were vandalized. Nine government vehicles were torched, and six private vehicles were vandalized.
Protesters also attacked the Kantipur Television building and Annapurna Media House in the Tinkune area.
