Clashes erupted in Kathmandu on Friday as Nepal police used tear gas, water cannons, and blank rounds to disperse thousands of pro-monarchy protesters who torched a house and pelted stones while trying to break through security barricades.
Videos from the Tinkune area near Tribhuvan International Airport showed vehicles and a house set ablaze as riot police clashed with demonstrators chanting slogans like “Raja aau desh bachau” (May the King come to save the country) and “Down with corrupt government.” Curfews were imposed in Tinkune, Sinamangal, and Koteshwor areas to control the unrest.
Violence escalates near key landmarks
Eyewitnesses reported that one person was injured during the confrontation. Protesters, waving national flags and images of former King Gyanendra Shah, attacked a TV station and the CPN (Unified Socialist) party office.
Pro-monarchy groups, including the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, led the demonstrations, calling for the restoration of the monarchy abolished in 2008 through a parliamentary declaration that transformed Nepal into a secular, federal republic.
The unrest follows a video message from Gyanendra Shah on February 19 (Democracy Day), where he urged public support, intensifying calls for the monarchy’s return.
Tense standoff between rival camps
While pro-monarchy supporters rallied in Tinkune, thousands of anti-monarchy activists gathered at Bhrikutimandap, led by the Socialist Front. They chanted slogans like “Long live the republican system” and “Take action against corrupt people.”
Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and other leaders addressed the crowd, reinforcing their opposition to a return of the monarchy.
Police detained several demonstrators for defying restrictions and attempting to march toward the restricted New Baneshwor area.
Tensions remain high as Nepal grapples with rising monarchist sentiment fueled by Gyanendra’s recent public appearances, including a March 9 rally following his religious tour across the country. Notably, some protesters displayed images of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath alongside Gyanendra’s, hinting at wider ideological connections.
