On Friday, two individuals were killed and dozens more were injured in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, following a violent clash between pro-monarchy protesters and police. The rally, which attracted thousands of royalists, was centered around a call for the return of Nepal’s monarchy, a movement that has gained traction in recent months amid the country’s ongoing political and economic instability.
The protests took place in the heart of Kathmandu, where royalists gathered to demand the restoration of the Hindu monarchy and the re-establishment of Nepal as a Hindu state. The country, which had a long history as a Hindu kingdom, abolished the monarchy in 2008, transitioning into a secular republic after the royal family was ousted following a decade-long Maoist insurgency. However, despite the change, the call for monarchy restoration has remained strong, with many loyalists advocating for the return of King Gyanendra Shah, the country’s last reigning monarch.
Growing Support for the Monarchy Movement
Support for the pro-monarchy movement has surged in recent years. As Nepal continues to face political instability and an economic downturn, many citizens feel disillusioned with the government’s inability to address widespread corruption, poverty, and unemployment. The royalist faction argues that the monarchy represents stability, and many see King Gyanendra as a figurehead who could unite the country during a time of crisis.
The protesters on Friday were calling for the restoration of Nepal as a Hindu state, a proposal that has gathered increasing support among royalists. Nepal, a country with a predominantly Hindu population, was declared a secular state after the monarchy was abolished, but the change has been met with resistance from groups who believe that Nepal’s identity is rooted in its Hindu heritage.
On the other side of the political spectrum, pro-democracy and republican groups organized a counter-protest, which passed without incident. These groups maintain that Nepal’s transition to a republic was a necessary step toward modernization, greater democracy, and secularism. The counter-protesters argue that the monarchy was an outdated institution, and they continue to advocate for Nepal’s future as a democratic republic.
Clashes Erupt as Protesters Breach Police Barricades
While the counter-protests remained peaceful, the pro-monarchy rally soon turned violent. As the royalists attempted to march through the city, tensions escalated when some protesters breached police barricades. Witnesses reported that protesters began throwing stones at police officers, which led to the violent confrontation.
In response, the police used teargas to disperse the crowd, and rubber bullets and live ammunition were fired into the air in an attempt to regain control of the situation. The clashes became more intense as protesters pushed forward, despite the police’s use of force. The violent turn of events resulted in two deaths and left dozens injured, some severely.
The deaths have further fueled the divide in the country, with both pro-monarchy and pro-democracy factions blaming each other for the violence. Royalist groups have condemned the police for using excessive force, while the government has called the protests an act of political disruption that undermines peace and order.
The Political and Economic Context
The violence is a reflection of the political turbulence and economic challenges that Nepal has been grappling with in recent years. The country’s political system has been unstable, with frequent changes in government, corruption scandals, and an ongoing struggle to implement effective governance. In recent months, Nepal has also faced economic difficulties, including a slow recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and rising unemployment, which have deepened public dissatisfaction with the current administration.
This economic frustration has led many people to question the efficacy of the republic and to look toward the monarchy as a possible solution. The pro-monarchy movement capitalizes on this disillusionment, offering promises of stability and national pride through the restoration of the monarchy.
However, those who oppose the return of the monarchy view the movement as a setback to the progress Nepal has made as a democratic republic. They argue that the monarchy was a symbol of authoritarian rule and inequality, and restoring it would take Nepal backward.
Nepal’s Deepening Divide
The events in Kathmandu on Friday have highlighted the deepening political and social divide within the country. The royalist protests demonstrate a vocal minority’s desire to return to the monarchy, while the counter-protests emphasize the commitment to democracy and secularism.
Nepal’s young democracy is at a crossroads, with many citizens unsure of the country’s future. The rally, which started as a peaceful demonstration, turned into a violent confrontation, further deepening the political rift. While some royalists remain hopeful that the monarchy will be restored, others fear that such a move would trigger even greater political instability.
International Reactions
The international community has closely followed the developments in Nepal, particularly the use of force by police during the protests. Human rights organizations have raised concerns over the deaths and injuries sustained by protesters, calling for an investigation into the incident and urging Nepalese authorities to respect the right to peaceful protest. The United Nations has also expressed concern about the escalating tensions and has called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The future of Nepal’s political system remains uncertain, as the country grapples with the twin challenges of political polarization and economic hardship. The protests in Kathmandu serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles that Nepal faces in reconciling its royalist past with its republican present.
As the situation continues to unfold, the tragic events of Friday’s protests will likely serve as a turning point in Nepal’s ongoing political discourse. With both royalist and republican factions firmly entrenched in their positions, the path forward for Nepal remains unclear. The country’s future will depend on its ability to address its political and economic challenges while balancing the demands of its divided population. The death toll and injuries from the protests have intensified the debate over Nepal’s monarchy, with both sides of the political spectrum seeking to influence the direction the country will take.
