In Kathmandu, Nepal, a curfew has been enacted due to escalating tensions following a series of protests by pro-monarchy groups. These demonstrators engaged in acts of arson and vandalism, prompting the Nepal Police to deploy tear gas and water cannons in an effort to control the situation, as reported by PTI and local media. The confrontations occurred when protesters attempted to push past security barricades, resulting in injuries to both security forces and demonstrators.
The Kathmandu Post highlighted that several injured parties are being treated at Kantipur Hospital in Tinkune. Witnesses reported that the protestors, demanding the restoration of the monarchy, threw stones and set a house on fire. The police response included firing blank rounds to manage the unruly crowd in the Tinkune area.
Amidst the chaos, several demonstrators were arrested as they tried to march toward the restricted zone of New Baneshwor. The protests saw the involvement of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party and other supporters of the monarchy, which was abolished in 2008 when Nepal transitioned to a secular, federal democratic republic.
Former King Gyanendra, a central figure in the restoration movement, recently amplified these calls through a video message urging public support. The unrest comes as both pro- and anti-monarchy groups staged significant demonstrations in the city, with the latter led by the Socialist Front and supported by several political parties, vocalizing their support for the republic and their opposition to the monarchy.
As the situation develops, security measures remain tight in Kathmandu to prevent further incidents and maintain public order amidst the deeply polarized political climate.
