Nepal’s Oli warns ex-King of action over pro-monarchy protest violence

Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Monday warned former King Gyanendra Shah of severe action, holding him responsible for the violence that erupted during last week’s pro-monarchy protest in Kathmandu.

Speaking in the House of Representatives, Oli accused the former king of aligning with individuals refusing to repay bank loans and stirring social unrest for his ambitions. “The alleged organisers attempted to drive a vehicle over the police and breached the restricted area. There were terrorist activities like setting fire to the international airport and the oil corporation’s depot,” Oli said.

“Setting fire to someone’s house, looting a shopping mall, and setting fire to a herbal company cannot be considered political activities,” he said. “The former king invited those unruly individuals to his home and appointed a so-called commander.”