Several areas of Nepal were thrown into chaos on Friday, March 28, as pro-monarchy protesters, carrying images of former king Gyanendra Shah and chanting slogans, clashed with police, attacked a TV station, and set a house on fire. A curfew was imposed in Kathmandu’s Tinkune, Sinamangal, and Koteshwor areas.
Protesters also clashed near Kathmandu’s airport, throwing stones and targeting the CPN (Unified Socialist) party office. Videos showed them attempting to destroy CCTV cameras while demanding the monarchy’s restoration and accusing the government of corruption.
To control the unrest, police used tear gas and water cannons, while some protesters set fires and breached barricades. Riot police were deployed to manage the situation as both pro- and anti-monarchy groups held separate demonstrations. Several youths were detained for attempting to march toward restricted areas.
The protests were fueled by a video message from former king Gyanendra Shah on Democracy Day, calling for the monarchy’s restoration, a demand that has persisted since Nepal abolished its 240-year-old monarchy in 2008.
