Protests by Republicans and Royalists in Kathmandu Raise Tensions Various political parties and groups have been demonstrating their strength in Kathmandu, the federal capital, for some time now. In this context, both republicans and royalists held protests in Kathmandu today, raising concerns about potential clashes.
While the royalists had announced a protest for today (Chaitra 15), the Socialist Front, an alliance of four parties, also declared a mass gathering in Kathmandu on the same day. The Front plans to hold processions from different routes and assemble at Bhrikuti Mandap, where senior leaders will address the crowd. Khadgabahadur Vishwakarma, the Front’s member-secretary, confirmed the event. The Front has called for public vigilance, citing the country’s unstable political situation, and urged participation in the movement to "defend the republic" on Chaitra 15.
The protests come after pro-monarchy groups, including the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and RPP Nepal, organized demonstrations in Kathmandu welcoming former King Gyanendra Shah. In response, the Socialist Front announced counter-protests in support of the republic.
Similarly, Durga Prasai, coordinator of the "Save the Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture, and Citizens Campaign," has urged supporters to prepare for the Chaitra 15 protests. Meanwhile, RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden clarified that while his party is not officially leading today’s protest, it supports the royalist movement.
**Lingden stated:**
*"Tomorrow’s (Friday) royalist protest is spontaneous, and RPP will support it. However, our official protest is scheduled for Chaitra 26. This is not a forced agitation—it’s the republicans’ misdeeds that have pushed people onto the streets. RPP stands with all movements to restore the monarchy, reinstate the Hindu state, and bring back the king."*
United People’s Movement Committee Appoints Durga Prasai as Commander for Monarchy Restoration**
The **United People’s Movement Committee** has appointed **Durga Prasai** as the commander of the movement to restore the monarchy. During a press conference on Thursday, the committee, led by **Nawaraj Subedi**, announced Prasai’s leadership role.
The committee stated:
*"The newly formed United People’s Movement Committee has entrusted Durga Prasai as the people’s commander. Under his leadership, the grand campaign has adopted the protests announced earlier, which will begin from Chaitra 15 (Friday). We have taken responsibility to ensure its success. We believe all Nepalis, both at home and abroad, will support this movement and join the protests in person if possible."*
Additionally, an **advisory committee** headed by **Dr. Jagman Gurung** has been formed to provide strategic guidance to the movement.
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Socialist Front’s Pro-Republic Rally: A "Positive Step"**
**Shankar Pokharel**, General Secretary of the ruling **CPN-UML**, called the **Socialist Front’s** planned pro-republic demonstration on **Chaitra 15** a **"positive step"** against regression. In a social media post, Pokharel emphasized that political parties may compete and criticize each other, but they must unitedly defend **people’s sovereignty and democracy** when threatened.
He stated:
*"The Socialist Front’s rally in support of the republic is a counter to regressive forces. History has repeatedly shown that the people’s consciousness prevails in defending democracy. This era belongs to an enlightened democracy."*
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*Police Deploy 2,500 Personnel for Security**
The **Nepal Police Headquarters** has mobilized **2,500 security personnel** for Friday’s protests. **Spokesperson Dinesh Kumar Acharya** confirmed enhanced security measures, particularly at **Tinkune** and **Exhibition Road**, where traffic diversions will be enforced.
Key arrangements include:
- **24/7 patrols** to prevent untoward incidents.
- **Focus on Maitighar Mandala and Bhrikuti Mandap**, the main protest sites.
- **Traffic management** to minimize congestion, with alternate routes kept open.
Acharya added:
*"We are prepared for any scenario. Additional forces will monitor night-time activities, especially around Thamel and Durbarmarg, where crowds are expected."*
He also noted that traffic violations have surged, with fines totaling nearly **NPR 20 million** in the past week alone.
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