In Nepal, pro-monarchy protests turn violent; 2 dead, curfew imposed in Kathmandu | World News

At least two persons were killed and 30 others injured during violent pro-monarchy protests in Kathmandu on Friday after a clash broke out between Nepalese security forces and activs.The protesters, demanding the restoration of monarchy and Nepal’s status as a Hindu kingdom, pelted stones, set fire to vehicles, looted shops, and attacked the office of a political party and and a media house building, PTI reported. In response, security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds.
Later in the day, the Nepalese Army was deployed, and a five-hour curfew until 10 pm was imposed in parts of the capital city.
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Officials stated that around half of the injured were police personnel who were attempting to control the situation.
Sabin Maharjan, 29, from Kathmandu, died at a hospital after sustaining a bullet injury during the clash, authorities said, while Suresh Rajak, a photojournal with Avenues Television, died during shooting a video of the protest from a building in the Tinkune area.
The unrest occurred as monarchy supporters carrying Nepalese flags and pictures of former king Gyanendra Shah clashed with security forces in Tinkune, chanting slogans such as “Raja aau, desh bachau” (Let the King come to save the country) and “Down with the corrupt government.”
Riot police personnel move past a burning tyre during a protest pro-monarch demonstrators demanding the restoration of Nepal’s monarchy, which was abolished in 2008, saying the governments have failed to make any significant changes, in Kathmandu, Nepal, March 28, 2025. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar
Meanwhile, a separate rally opposing the monarchy was held in another part of the capital.Story continues below this ad

During the violence, protesters burned a house, torched eight vehicles, attacked the CPN-Unified Socials office in Baneshwor, looted the Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Chabahil, and vandalised the offices of Kantipur Television and Annapurna Post newspaper.
The Kathmandu drict adminration imposed a curfew covering Shantinagar Bridge to Manohara River Bridge, including Koteshwor, Tinkune, the airport area, Baneshwor Chowk, and Gaushala. However, passengers travelling to the airport will be allowed to proceed if they show valid tickets.
The return of the king
Nepal abolished its 240-year-old monarchy in 2008, transitioning from a Hindu kingdom to a secular, federal, democratic republic through a parliamentary declaration. However, calls for restoring the monarchy have resurfaced, particularly after former King Gyanendra appealed for public support in a video message on Democracy Day, February 19.
Riot police personnel in action during a protest pro-monarch demonstrators demanding the restoration of Nepal’s monarchy, which was abolished in 2008, saying the governments have failed to make any significant changes, in Kathmandu, Nepal, March 28, 2025. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar
Earlier this month, Gyanendra’s return to Nepal after visiting religious sites was met with rallies pro-monarchy activs at Tribhuvan International Airport. Supporters chanted slogans like “Come back king, save the country” and “Vacate the royal palace for the king.” Some even displayed photographs of Uttar Pradesh Chief Miner Yogi Adityanath alongside Gyanendra’s.Story continues below this ad

Since Nepal’s shift to a republic, the country has seen 13 different governments in 16 years, failing to maintain long-term stability.
While pro-monarchy activs claim that nearly 400,000 people welcomed Gyanendra on March 9, news agencies estimate the actual turnout to be around 10,000.
(With Inputs from PTI)