At least two persons were killed and 30 others injured during violent pro-monarchy protests in Kathmandu after a clash broke out between Nepalese security forces and activists. The protesters, demanding the restoration of monarchy and Nepal’s status as a Hindu kingdom, pelted stones, set fire to vehicles, looted shops, and attacked the office of a political party and and a media house building. In response, security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds.
Curfew In Kathmandu | Why PM Oli Blames India ?
Why In News
- At least two persons were killed and 30 others injured during violent pro-monarchy protests in Kathmandu after a clash broke out between Nepalese security forces and activists.
- The protesters, demanding the restoration of monarchy and Nepal’s status as a Hindu kingdom, pelted stones, set fire to vehicles, looted shops, and attacked the office of a political party and and a media house building. In response, security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds.
Protests
- Later in the day, the Nepalese Army was deployed, and a five-hour curfew until 10 pm was imposed in parts of the capital city.
- Officials stated that around half of the injured were police personnel who were attempting to control the situation. Authorities in Nepal on Saturday lifted a curfew imposed in the eastern part of Kathmandu following violent clashes between the security personnel and the pro-monarchy protesters, as tensions eased in the area.
What Was The Case
- The unrest occurred as monarchy supporters carrying Nepalese flags and pictures of former king Gyanendra Shah clashed with security forces in Tinkune, chanting slogans such as “Raja aau, desh bachau” (Let the King come to save the country) and “Down with the corrupt government.”
- Meanwhile, a separate rally opposing the monarchy was held in another part of the capital. During the violence, protesters burned a house, torched eight vehicles, attacked the CPN-Unified Socialists office in Baneshwor, looted the Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Chabahil, and vandalised the offices of Kantipur Television and Annapurna Post newspaper.
- The Kathmandu district administration imposed a curfew covering Shantinagar Bridge to Manohara River Bridge, including Koteshwor, Tinkune, the airport area, Baneshwor Chowk, and Gaushala. However, passengers travelling to the airport will be allowed to proceed if they show valid tickets.
The Return Of The King
- Nepal abolished its 240-year-old monarchy in 2008, transitioning from a Hindu kingdom to a secular, federal, democratic republic through a parliamentary declaration. However, calls for restoring the monarchy have resurfaced, particularly after former King Gyanendra appealed for public support in a video message on Democracy Day, February 19.
- Earlier this month, Gyanendra’s return to Nepal after visiting religious sites was met with rallies by pro-monarchy activists at Tribhuvan International Airport. Supporters chanted slogans like “Come back king, save the country” and “Vacate the royal palace for the king.”
- Some even displayed photographs of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath alongside Gyanendra’s. Political experts believe that a strong movement in favour of restoring the Hindu monarchy is gaining momentum in Nepal.
- One of the key reasons behind this pro-monarchy sentiment is public frustration over rampant corruption and economic decline. While the king was once seen as a symbol of power and stability, Nepal has struggled to maintain that stability since transitioning to a republic in 2008. Over the past 16 years, the country has witnessed 13 different governments.
- Pro-monarchy activists claimed that nearly 4 lakh people gathered to welcome former King Gyanendra on March 9, while news agencies estimated the turnout to be around 10,000.
- Since Nepal’s shift to a republic, the country has seen 13 different governments in 16 years, failing to maintain long-term stability. While pro-monarchy activists claim that nearly 400,000 people welcomed Gyanendra on March 9, news agencies estimate the actual turnout to be around 10,000.
Nepal PM Oli Blames India
- Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has claimed that India has played a role in the country’s pro-monarchy movement and vowed to “expose” it in Parliament, a senior member of his party.
- Oli is learnt to have made the remarks at a meeting of central office-bearers of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal-UML three days back.
- A senior party office-bearer, present at the meeting, told The Indian Express that Oli vowed to get the former king, Gyandendra Shah, arrested. The party member also quoted Oli as saying that he would “expose” India in Parliament on Wednesday for its “role in the movement”. Shah offered prayers at Manakamana Temple in Gorkha. He was given a rousing reception in Nuwakot.
