Clashes disrupt pro-royal rally; organizer appeals for peace

KATHMANDU: A planned rally by pro-royalist groups in Kathmandu’s Tinkune area was disrupted on Friday after clashes between the police and demonstrators.

Stones were thrown at law enforcement, and private properties were vandalized.

The rally, which was meant to gather crowds for a speech, was expected to include a procession of participants from various locations, but tensions escalated before the event could fully unfold.

The rally was organized by the United People’s Movement Committee, led by Navraj Subedi, with the involvement of prominent businessman Durga Prasai, who was tasked with mobilizing the public.

The movement also received support from the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), led by Rajendra Lingden.

On March 17, Prasai had announced the formation of the Unified People’s Movement Committee under the leadership of Subedi, aiming for the reinstatement of the monarchy in Nepal.

This move had already stirred controversy, as RPP president Lingden distanced himself from the committee, clarifying that he and his party were not officially involved.

The RPP’s Executive Committee later decided that the party would not align with any individual’s leadership in the movement.

Following the disruption of the rally at Tinkune, Durga Prasai made an appeal for peace, urging against further attacks on private property.

He expressed regret over the damage caused to private property and the injuries sustained by both protesters and police officers. “The police’s actions have led to damage to private property, and several of our colleagues and officers have been injured,” Prasai stated. “I sincerely wish for a speedy recovery for those hurt and strongly appeal to everyone to refrain from attacking private properties.”

The situation remains tense, and the political implications of the disrupted rally are yet to unfold.