Rally in Kathmandu: Traffic diverted, 3,500 officers on standby

KATHMANDU: Kathmandu, the federal capital of Nepal, is witnessing heightened political activity today, with two major protests scheduled by opposing groups.

The Republican-led Socialist Front and supporters of the former King are set to hold separate demonstrations across different areas of the city.

The Socialist Front, which includes the CPN (Maoist Centre), CPN (Unified Socialist), Nepal Socialist Party, and the Communist Party led by Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav,’ will hold a show of strength at the Pradshani Marga.

The rally will begin from Bhrikutimandap, passing through Maitighar and Tripureshwar before culminating at the Pradshani Marga.

Additional groups will start their marches from places like Babar Mahal and Kupandol, joining the main procession at different points.

On the other hand, supporters of the former King, organized under the banner of the ‘Nationalism, National Identity, Religion, Culture, and Citizen Protection Campaign’ led by businessman Durga Prasai, will demonstrate at the Tinkune area. The ‘Joint People’s Movement Committee for the Restoration of the Monarchy,’ led by Nawaraj Suvedi, will also participate in this rally.

Given the large-scale protests, the Kathmandu Valley Police Office has ramped up security measures across the city.

To prevent any potential clashes between the two groups, a substantial police force will be deployed, especially around the key protest sites at Tinkune and Exhibition Road. Over 3,500 police officers, under the leadership of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bishwo Adhikari, are set to ensure the smooth conduct of the protests.

SSP Apil Bohara will be stationed at the protest sites, while a ‘Command Centre’ has been set up at the Bhadrakali District Police Office to oversee security arrangements. The District Officer of Kathmandu, Rishiram Tiwari, SSP Bishwo Adhikari, and representatives from the Armed Police Force will coordinate security management.

To minimize the risk of confrontation, the police have designated specific routes for each group.

Supporters of the former King will be allowed to march only within the area surrounding Chakkarpath, with their procession moving from Chabahil via Satdobato towards Tinkune.

Supporters of the Socialist Front will be directed from Koteshwor to Bal Kumari and onward to Pradshani Marga. Traffic in these areas will be diverted accordingly.

In addition to uniformed officers, plainclothes police personnel will also be deployed to monitor the situation and gather intelligence.

SSP Shekhar Khanal emphasized that the security forces are on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents, with a comprehensive plan in place to maintain order throughout the protests.

With these two major demonstrations happening in key areas of Kathmandu, security forces are fully prepared to ensure public safety and avoid any escalation of tensions.