Fiery Chaos in Nepal: Pro-Monarchists Battle Police, Army Takes Streets Amid Intensifying Tensions in Kathmandu
A wave of unrest has swept through parts of Nepal as pro-monarchy demonstrators clashed with police, sparking chaos and leading to a curfew in several areas of Kathmandu. The turmoil unfolded as hundreds of protesters, brandishing images of former King Gyanendra Shah, escalated their calls for the monarchy’s restoration by confronting law enforcement, attacking a TV station, and setting a house ablaze. The unrest was most intense in the Tinkune, Sinamangal, and Koteshwor areas, where authorities swiftly imposed a curfew to regain control. Hostilities also erupted near Kathmandu airport, with protesters pelting stones at police and targeting the CPN (Unified Socialist) party office as part of their offensive.
Eyewitnesses report that demonstrators attempted to dismantle CCTV cameras while accusing Nepal’s government of rampant corruption and demanding a royal resurgence. In efforts to disperse the increasingly volatile crowds, Nepal Police resorted to deploying tear gas and water cannons, even firing blank rounds as tensions peaked, particularly in the Tinkune area. The streets resounded with chants of "Raja aau desh bachau" (May the King come to save the country), "Down with corrupt government," and "We want monarchy back," highlighting the intensity of the monarchical fervor.
Amid the chaos, one person sustained injuries, according to eyewitness accounts. To prevent further clashes, authorities deployed hundreds of riot police throughout Kathmandu, as pro and anti-monarchy factions organized separate demonstrations. Several youths found themselves detained after breaching restrictions, especially when demonstrators attempted to advance towards New Baneshwor, a location under tight security.
Among those fueling these demonstrations is the pro-monarchy Rastriya Prajatantra Party, aligned with other groups seeking the monarchy’s return. The fervor traces back to the 2008 parliamentary declaration by Nepal’s political parties, which dissolved the 240-year-old monarchy, transitioning the country from its former identity as a Hindu kingdom to a secular, federal democratic republic. Despite the decade-long shift, monarchists remain resolute in their campaign to reverse this monumental political transformation, spurred in part by a video message from the former king broadcast on Democracy Day, February 19, which implored supporters to rally for their cause.
This resurgence of monarchical demands underscores a persistent undercurrent of dissatisfaction with Nepal’s current governance, as echoed in the protesters’ cries against corruption. The ongoing tensions reveal the complexities of Nepal’s political landscape, where nostalgia for royal rule collides with the realities of democratic governance. As the situation evolves, it highlights the challenges facing Nepal as it navigates through its democratic journey while addressing the grievances and sentiments of its citizens. With these clashes unfolding, the eyes of the Nepali public, as well as the international community, remain fixed on how authorities and protestors alike will navigate this volatile period. Categories: Nepali Politics, Protests, Monarchy Restoration. Tags: Nepal, monarchy, protests, political unrest, Kathmandu.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/chaos-in-nepal-pro-monarchists-clash-with-police-torch-house-army-storms-streets-curfew-grips-kathmandu-11743164509022.html
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Publish Date: 2025-03-28 18:36:00
