Pro-monarchy party protests near Nepal Parl, 7 arrested

Hundreds of supporters of a pro-monarchy party in Nepal staged a protest on Sunday near the high-security zone housing the Prime Minister’s residence and the Parliament here, demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy and the establishment of the Himalayan nation as a Hindu state.

Around 1,500 supporters of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) carrying placards gathered at the Bijulibajar-Baneshwor area and shouted slogans like “Down with Republican system,” “We want monarchy back” and “Establish Nepal as a Hindu state.”

The demonstration was led by RPP chairman Rajendra Lingden, senior leaders Pashupati Shumsher Rana and former Inspector General of Police Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan, among others.

Thousands of riot police were deployed in sensitive areas of Kathmandu, including Naya Baneshwor, Bijuligazar, Maitighar, Bhadrakali and Baluwatar, as the demonstrators announced that they would defy the government’s order and enter the restricted areas.

The government has designated several locations in Kathmandu, including the area around the federal parliament building in New Baneshwar, as restricted zones.

At least seven leaders and cadres of RPP, including chairman Lingden, vice-chairman Buddhiman Tamang and spokesperson Gyanendra Shahi, were arrested as they tried to enter the restricted zones. “They were taken into custody after attempting to distribute flyers and chant slogans,” said Superintendent of Police Apil Bohara.

The three leaders have been held at the Kathmandu Police Range, Bhadrakali.