Mass clashes between supporters of the restoration of the monarchy and the police erupted in the capital of Nepal, resulting in two deaths.
The unrest broke out on Friday in the eastern part of Kathmandu, where a rally was organized by supporters of former King Gyanendra Shah. According to the country’s Ministry of Home Affairs, one protester died in the hospital, while a local television station employee was killed in a fire that broke out in the building from which he was filming.
Several demonstrators and police officers were injured in the clashes. Authorities have imposed a curfew in several parts of the city. The protest was initially planned as a peaceful demonstration, but violence began when a vehicle driven by demonstrators rammed a police barricade. In response, security forces used tear gas and water cannons.
At the same time, in another part of the capital, a counter-rally was held by supporters of the republican system, organized by opposition parties, including Maoists who previously waged an armed struggle against the monarchy.
In recent months, support for Gyanendra’s return to the throne and the restoration of Hinduism as the state religion has been growing in Nepal.
Monarchists accuse the ruling parties of failing to govern the country. However, the chances of the king returning to power remain slim. Gyanendra himself has not yet commented on the situation.
