Tens of Thousands of Nepalese Demand Return Of Monarchy

Nepal’s government on Sunday banned protests in Kathmandu after tens of thousands of pro-monarchist supporters took to the streets of the capital over the weekend to demand the return of the former king and the abolition of the current republic, the Press Trust of India reported. 

On Sunday, the government announced restrictions on demonstrations and other public gatherings in most parts of the city for the next two months. Officials said the decision is aimed at avoiding the disruption of business activities and transportation services caused by continued pro-monarchy supporters. 

Demonstrations began Thursday with around 20,000 protesters waving flags and chanting slogans in favor of the return of the former monarch, Gyanendra Shah, as well as the restoration of Hinduism as Nepal’s state religion, the Associated Press reported. 

Counter-demonstrators – supporters of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli – also marched in the capital in support of the republic, prompting authorities to deploy hundreds of riot police to avoid clashes between the two groups. 

On Sunday, police arrested and later released former Home Minister Kamal Thapa and about half a dozen others protesting in favor of the monarchy after they attempted to enter a restricted area in the capital. 

Nepal abolished the monarchy in 2008, two years after mass protests forced Gyanendra to abdicate.  

However, the Himalayan nation has seen a series of demonstrations in recent months calling for the restoration of the monarchy: The last demonstrations took place in late March, resulting in the deaths of two people and a series of arrests. 

Royalist groups claim that many Nepalese have grown frustrated with the current form of government, accusing the country’s political parties of corruption and failed governance. 

Gyanendra – who now lives as a commoner – has not commented on the call for his return.