News Brief
Nepal: Kathmandu On Edge As Ruling UML Celebrates Republic Day, Pro-Monarchy Protesters Push For Hindu Kingdom
Pro-monarchy demonstration in Kathmandu.
Nepal's capital city Kathmandu celebrated a tense Republic Day as security forces stepped up deployment across the valley in anticipation of separate rallies by the ruling CPN-UML and pro-monarchy groups on Thursday (29 May), according to a Kathmandu Post report.
Authorities fear potential clashes, with both events planned in close proximity, UML at Bhrikutimandap and royalists at nearby Ratnapark.
The UML held a “Republic Mahotsav” to commemorate the day Nepal became a republic in 2008.
While criticising former king Gyanendra Shah for undermining the constitution and democracy, UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel said, “We feel the Nepali people should celebrate the republic as a festival,”
Royalist groups, led by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), have vowed a peaceful Satyagraha, demanding the restoration of a Hindu kingdom, scrapping federalism, and installing a directly elected prime minister.
“We will not provoke the situation,” said RPP chairman Rajendra Lingden, adding, “We will exercise patience, and reach Ratnapark at 1 pm".
RPP spokesman Mohan Shrestha claimed that “25,000 people have already arrived in Kathmandu” by Wednesday (28 May), although Nepal Police estimate the number closer to 5,000 to 7,000.
Inspector General of Police Deepak Thapa and AIG Tek Bahadur Tamang held extensive meetings with district officers, ordering them to “open fire” if protests escalate.
Kathmandu Police began search operations Tuesday (27 May) night at key entry points and hotels.
Earlier, pro-monarchy protests on 28 March in Tinkune turned violent, prompting heightened caution.
With both sides preparing large processions, the capital remains on alert, even as authorities insist on “strict monitoring” and urge calm.
Thursday’s events mark a crucial moment for Nepal, as the call to restore Hindu identity gains renewed ground amid political dissatisfaction.
