Police action
Hundreds of riot police were stationed in key locations to prevent the situation from escalating as two opposing groups — pro-monarchists and republicans — held simultaneous demonstrations in Kathmandu, reported PTI.Watch the Nepal protests here:
#WATCH | Nepal: Visuals from Kathmandu where a protester was seen damaging a CCTV camera while a plume of smoke rose after an arson.
A clash erupted between pro-monarchists and Police in Kathmandu today. The protesters are demanding the restoration of the monarchy. Curfew has… pic.twitter.com/5ZdEhipzx7– years (@ani) March 28, 2025
While pro-monarchists gathered at Tinkune, republicans, led by the Socialist Front, assembled at Bhrikutimandap.
The protestors demanding the return of Nepal’s monarchy attempted to breach police barricades, prompting the security forces to use water cannons and tear gas, as per an eyewitness.
Several demonstrators were detained for violating restrictions as they attempted to march towards New Baneshwor, a restricted zone.
#WATCH | Nepal: A clash broke out between pro-monarchists and Police in Kathmandu near the airport. Several rounds of tear gas and rubber bullets fired by the Police. Vehicles and a house torched. Curfew ordered in Tinkune, Sinamangal and Koteshwor area.
Visuals from Kathmandu… pic.twitter.com/Be0Emk8EjO– years (@ani) March 28, 2025
Protests escalate near airport, curfew imposed
Authorities imposed a curfew in Tinkune, Sinamangal, and Koteshwor following the outbreak of violence.
In an official announcement, police urged residents to vacate the affected areas immediately. According to reports, demonstrators set vehicles and a house on fire and attacked a television station as well as the CPN (United Socialist) party office.
The pro-monarchists, including members of the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party, chanted slogans such as “Raja Aau Desh Bachau” (May the king come and save the country) and “Down with corrupt government” as per PTI.
VIDEO | Nepal: Clashes erupt between security and pro monarchy activists in Kathmandu demanding restoration of monarchy and Hindu Kingdom status.
(Source: Third Party)(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/4ffcGas6kr
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 28, 2025
Their demand for the monarchy’s return follows a recent video message by former king, Gyanendra Shah, in which he appealed for public support on Democracy Day on February 19.
Republicans hold counter-protests
Meanwhile, thousands of republicans led by the Socialist Front gathered at Bhrikutimandap in support of Nepal’s current system. Participants, including the members of CPN-Maoist Centre and CPN-Unified Socialist, raised slogans such as “Long live the republican system” and “Take action against corrupt people.”
Maoist leader and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Prachanda addressed the gathering, reinforcing the commitment to Nepal’s republic system.
As tensions continue, authorities remain on high alert.
(With agency inputs)
