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

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.

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 photojournalist 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 by pro-monarchist 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.

During the violence, protesters burned a house, torched eight vehicles, attacked the CPN-Unified Socialists office in Baneshwor, looted the Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Chabahil, and vandalised the offices of Kantipur Television and Annapurna Post newspaper.

The Kathmandu district administration 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 by pro-monarchist 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 by pro-monarchy activists 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 Minister Yogi Adityanath alongside Gyanendra’s.

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 activists 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)

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