Chaos in Kathmandu: The streets of Nepal’s capital turned into a battleground as pro-monarchy protesters clashed with police, setting off a wave of violence that left the city gripped under curfew. Holding portraits of former King Gyanendra Shah, demonstrators stormed through the city, demanding the restoration of the monarchy and accusing the government of deep-rooted corruption.
Chaos in Kathmandu: Streets Turn into Battleground
Videos circulating on social media show masked protesters tearing down CCTV cameras, setting fire to a house, and pelting stones at police officers. The situation escalated near Kathmandu airport and the offices of a local TV station and the CPN (Unified Socialist) party, where police had to resort to tear gas and water cannons to disperse the enraged crowds.
Despite the heavy presence of riot police, thousands of demonstrators continued to chant slogans like “Raja aau desh bachau” (May the King come to save the country) and “We want monarchy back.”
Eyewitnesses reported chaos in the Tinkune area, where the situation spiraled out of control, forcing the police to fire blank rounds. At least one protester was injured during the clashes.
Government Responds with Curfew and Arrests
With tensions boiling over, authorities imposed a strict curfew in Tinkune, Sinamangal, and Koteshwor areas of Kathmandu. Police also detained several demonstrators who attempted to march toward New Baneshwor, a restricted zone.
The protests were spearheaded by the pro-monarchy Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and other right-wing groups who have long been advocating for the return of the monarchy. The movement gained momentum after former King Gyanendra Shah released a video message on Democracy Day (February 19), urging Nepalis to support the restoration of the monarchy.
Monarchy vs Republic: A Nation at Crossroads
Nepal abolished its 240-year-old monarchy in 2008, transitioning into a secular, democratic republic. However, dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of corruption, inflation, and political instability has fueled nostalgia for the monarchy among a section of the population.
As Kathmandu reels from the unrest, the question remains: Will Nepal see a resurgence of its monarchy, or is this just another wave of political discontent in an already volatile nation?
(With agency inputs)
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