Police on alert as royalist rallies return to the capital
Kathmandu witnessed heightened tensions on Tuesday as the pro-monarchy Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) staged a high-profile demonstration demanding the reinstatement of Nepal’s monarchy and the immediate release of detained leaders and party cadres. The protest, held at Balkhu, comes amid a charged political climate following the deadly clashes in Tinkune on March 28 that left two people dead and hundreds injured.
Police were on high alert throughout the capital, deploying more than 2,000 personnel to maintain order. Authorities have warned of decisive action if demonstrations turn violent. “We are prepared to ensure the protest remains peaceful,” a senior police official said. However, tensions remain high as both the government and royalist groups continue to blame each other for inciting the previous unrest.
The RPP’s latest rally, held under the slogan “Let’s change the system to change the situation”, was spearheaded by party Chair Rajendra Lingden. It was supported by the Joint People’s Movement, a coalition of pro-monarchist forces advocating for the return of Nepal’s deposed monarchy, abolished in 2008.
Key RPP leaders remain in police custody, including Vice-Chair Rabindra Mishra and General Secretary Dhawal Shumsher Rana. Joint People’s Movement coordinator Nabaraj Subedi has been placed under house arrest. The Kathmandu District Court recently extended their remand, allowing further investigation into their alleged roles in the Tinkune violence.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has taken a hard line against the royalist movement, warning of legal action even against former King Gyanendra Shah if he is found complicit in the unrest. Addressing Parliament last week, Oli accused RPP lawmakers of attempting to undermine Nepal’s republican Constitution. “You took an oath to uphold the Charter, not destroy it,” he said.
The remarks sparked protests in Parliament, with RPP MPs vocally criticising Oli’s stance. In a fiery rebuttal, Rajendra Lingden accused successive republican governments of fuelling corruption and failing to deliver good governance. He argued that the public’s frustration could very well trigger a return to monarchy if their demands continue to be ignored.
“Were only the protesters to blame for the violence?” Lingden asked in Parliament. “What about the government’s responsibility to control the situation?”
He also claimed that security forces used expired tear gas from elevated positions during the Tinkune clashes, further worsening the chaos. Lingden has called for a judicial commission to investigate the events of March 28, insisting that truth and accountability are essential.
As Nepal faces growing political polarisation, the monarchy debate is once again capturing public attention. What began as scattered voices nostalgic for royal rule is now becoming a potent political force, buoyed by dissatisfaction with the current system.
With the RPP holding 14 seats in Parliament and gaining traction through street mobilisation, the party’s monarchist revival is no longer on the fringe. Whether it will shift Nepal’s political trajectory or simply stir short-term unrest remains to be seen.
