Curfew Imposed In Nepal’s Kathmandu As Pro-Monarchy Protesters Clash With Police Over Hindu Kingdom Demand

Kathmandu was placed under curfew on Friday after pro-monarchy protests turned violent, resulting in arson, vandalism, and clashes with security forces. The unrest led to Nepal Police deploying tear gas and water cannons to control the situation as demonstrators torched a house and attempted to break through security barricades, according to local media reports.

Eyewitnesses cited by news agency PTI stated that clashes between protesters and police erupted in the Tinkune area, leaving several security personnel and demonstrators injured. Human rights organizations reported that both Nepal Police and Armed Police Force officers sustained injuries along with protesters, with some receiving treatment at Kantipur Hospital.

The situation escalated when demonstrators tried to breach security cordons and threw stones at the police. In response, security forces fired tear gas and, at one point, blank rounds as the protests grew uncontrollable. Thousands of monarchists gathered, chanting slogans such as "Raja aau desh bachau" (May the King come to save the country), "Down with the corrupt government," and "We want monarchy back," demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy in Nepal.

Protesters carrying Nepal's national flag and images of former King Gyanendra Shah set a house on fire in the Tinkune area and clashed with the police. Some demonstrators were detained while attempting to march toward New Baneshwor, a restricted zone. The rally was backed by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party and other royalist groups.

Nepal abolished its 240-year-old monarchy in 2008 through a parliamentary declaration, establishing a secular, federal democratic republic. However, calls for its restoration have persisted, particularly after former King Gyanendra issued a video message on Democracy Day (February 19), urging public support.

On March 9, royalist groups staged a rally in support of Gyanendra upon his return to Kathmandu after visiting religious sites. Some demonstrators carried images of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath alongside the former king's photographs.

Meanwhile, thousands of anti-monarchy protesters gathered at Bhrikutimandap, led by the Socialist Front. Participants, including members of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) and CPN-Unified Socialist, chanted slogans such as "Long live the republic," "Punish the corrupt," and "Down with monarchy." CPN-Maoist Centre chief Pushpakamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and other leaders addressed a public meeting organized by the Socialist Forum at Bhrikutimandap, reaffirming their support for Nepal's republican system.