Nepal marked its 18th Republic Day on Thursday, as rival political factions held demonstrations both in support of and against the federal democratic republic established in 2008. To maintain order, the government deployed approximately 6,000 security personnel to mitigate potential clashes between the ruling CPN-UML party and pro-monarchist groups led by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) in central Kathmandu.
During the Republic Day celebrations at Bhrikuti Mandap, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli emphasized that the republic is a manifestation of the people’s will, asserting that any “Royal call” will have no influence on it. President Ram Chandra Poudel acknowledged the rising public discontent and urged a shift in behavior from those in power.
In contrast, pro-monarchist demonstrators, led by the RPP, carried banners featuring former King Gyanendra’s portrait. Among the protest’s attendees were RPP Chair Rajendra Lingden and prominent party figures such as Pashupati Shumsher Rana, Kamal Thapa, and Prakash Chandra Lohani.
May 29 signifies the historic declaration of the federal democratic republic in Nepal, made during the inaugural session of Parliament on Jestha 15, 2065 BS (May 28, 2008), which dismantled a 240-year monarchy. Since that momentous occasion, Jestha 15 has been commemorated annually as Republic Day across the nation.
In light of the celebrations and potential unrest, heightened security measures were enforced on Thursday to deter any incidents. Critical locations, including Tribhuvan International Airport, the Parliament, the Singhadurbar Secretariat, and the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, received additional protective measures to ensure safety during the events.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/nepal-observes-18th-republic-day-as-monarchists-hold-rally-10037565/
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Publish Date: 2025-05-30 04:58:00
