The political landscape in Nepal remains tense after violent pro-monarchy protests rocked the capital, prompting Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) authorities to fine former King Gyanendra Shah for damages caused by the unrest. The civic body issued a notice to the former monarch on Saturday, demanding a compensation of NPR 7,93,000 for destruction of public property and environmental harm during Friday&rsquo;s demonstrations.
The protests, which turned violent in Kathmandu&rsquo;s Tinkune area, resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a television cameraman, while over 110 others sustained injuries. The chaos saw arson, looting, and attacks on public and private property, including government offices and vehicles. In response, authorities imposed a curfew in the city&rsquo;s eastern part from late Friday afternoon until early Saturday morning.
Political parties have strongly condemned the former king&rsquo;s alleged role in instigating the protests. Leaders from the ruling Nepali Congress and the opposition CPN (Maoist Centre) have been particularly vocal, blaming Gyanendra Shah for Friday&rsquo;s mayhem. Maoist Centre chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal stated that the former monarch should not be given any leniency. &ldquo;He no longer has the privilege of freedom,&rdquo; Dahal said during a Socialist Front meeting, emphasizing the need for strict action against Shah.
Social media has also erupted with calls for accountability, with hashtags demanding legal action against Gyanendra Shah trending on platforms such as X and Facebook. Many citizens believe the former king should be held responsible for orchestrating the protests, which were led by royalist figure Durga Prasai. Reports indicate that Prasai met with Shah a day before the protests and received instructions to mobilize supporters in a push for the reinstatement of the monarchy and the declaration of Nepal as a Hindu state.
The government is now preparing for an all-party meeting to discuss the activities of pro-royalist groups and decide on future measures. In the meantime, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak visited the Tinkune area, surveying the extensive damage inflicted during the clashes. He assured swift action against those involved in the destruction.
Security forces have already detained 112 individuals, including key members of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) such as Dhawal Shumsher Rana and Ravindra Mishra, both of whom were actively engaged in the demonstrations. Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggest that Gyanendra Shah&rsquo;s passport has been seized and his security detail reduced.
As Kathmandu gradually returns to normalcy, the political discourse remains heated. The ruling Nepali Congress has called for accountability, with spokesperson Prakash Sharan Mahat asserting that the violent demonstrations were part of a deliberate plan to push for a totalitarian rule. &ldquo;The former King should take full responsibility for what happened in Tinkune,&rdquo; Mahat declared after a party meeting.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the government's course of action as Nepal grapples with the resurgence of royalist sentiments and their implications for the country&rsquo;s fragile democracy.
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Nepal's former king Gyanendra Shah, pro-monarchy, pro-hinds students protest, violence

Nepal’s parties, social media demand action against ex-king over protest chaos

KMC Fines Ex-King Gyanendra for Protest Violence

Nepal’s parties, social media demand action against ex-king over protest chaos

March 30, 2025 | 08:10 IST