At least two people were killed and several others injured as pro-monarchy activists clashed with security forces in Nepal’s capital on Friday, demanding the restoration of the monarchy and the country’s Hindu kingdom status.
The violence erupted in the Tinkune area of Kathmandu when demonstrators attempted to breach police barricades, leading to a fierce confrontation.
Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, while protesters set fire to buildings and vehicles. Among the deceased was Suresh Rajak, a photojournalist who was trapped in a burning building allegedly set ablaze by demonstrators.
His charred body was later recovered, though official identification is still pending.
In response to the unrest, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli convened an emergency meeting, and the army was deployed in the capital to restore order. A curfew has been imposed in Tinkune, Sinamangal, and Koteshwor, key areas affected by the violence.
Protest Escalation and Police Response
Thousands of pro-monarchists gathered in Kathmandu, waving national flags and holding portraits of former King Gyanendra Shah.
Chanting slogans such as “Raja aau, desh bachau” (Let the King come to save the country) and “We want monarchy back,” they demanded an end to Nepal’s republican system, which replaced the monarchy in 2008.
The confrontation escalated when protesters threw stones at police and attempted to break security cordons.
In retaliation, security forces used tear gas, while demonstrators set fire to a shopping mall, a political party headquarters, a media house building, and a business complex. Reports indicate that at least a dozen police personnel were injured in the clashes.
Authorities have detained several individuals for violating restrictions, and riot police remain stationed across Kathmandu to prevent further violence.
Growing Pro-Monarchy Movement
Nepal abolished its 240-year-old monarchy in 2008, declaring itself a secular, federal, democratic republic. However, calls for the return of the monarchy have intensified in recent years, fuelled by public discontent over corruption and economic instability.
The country has seen 13 different governments in the past 16 years, with many citizens believing that political instability has hindered progress.
The recent resurgence of pro-monarchy sentiment follows a public appeal by former King Gyanendra, who addressed the nation in a video message on Democracy Day, February 19, urging people to support the monarchy.
Earlier this month, thousands of his supporters gathered at Tribhuvan International Airport as he returned from a religious tour, chanting slogans in his favour and urging him to reclaim the throne.
During the protest on Friday, some demonstrators were seen displaying images of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath alongside those of the former king, highlighting growing Hindu nationalist sentiments among certain factions.
Pro-monarchist groups, including the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, have been leading efforts to revive the monarchy.
While activists claimed that nearly 400,000 people attended a recent rally in support of Gyanendra, independent news agencies estimated the turnout at around 10,000.
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