On Thursday, tens of thousands of demonstrators assembled in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, advocating for the reinstatement of monarchy and the restoration of the nation’s former status as a Hindu state.
The protesters, aligned with the “citizen’s movement to protect the nation, nationalism, religion, and culture,” brandished national flags and rallied in support of the ex-King Gyanendra on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Their intention to march towards the city center was thwarted by police, who used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd.
The clash resulted in minor injuries on both sides, as authorities had previously prohibited protests in various parts of Kathmandu in anticipation of the rally.
Supporters of the former king had converged in the capital from across the country, expressing their fervent desire for the reinstatement of the monarchy and the abolition of the republic.
The protesters collectively accused the government and political parties of corruption and mismanagement.
The monarchy, deeply rooted in Nepal’s history, was abolished in 2008 following extensive street protests in 2006 that compelled then-King Gyanendra to relinquish his authoritarian rule and usher in democracy.
Despite residing as a private citizen without power or state protection since then, Gyanendra still commands some support among the populace, even though a return to power seems unlikely.
In 2007, Nepal transitioned to a secular state through an interim constitution, marking a departure from its centuries-old status as a Hindu state.
