2 Killed, Dozens Injured In Pro-Monarchist Protest In Nepal

Clashes between pro-monarchy protestors and police in Kathmandu, Nepal, resulted in two deaths and numerous injuries.

The protest turned violent after pro-monarchists clashed with police in Kathmandu.

Source : PTI

Two people were killed and dozens injured after protestors calling for the restoration of monarchy in Nepal clashed with police in the capital Kathmandu on Friday. 

Thousands of demonstrators hit the streets in the capital city on Friday demanding to return the country to a Hindu monarchy, which was abolished in 2008, from a secular state. A counter-protest was held by pro-democracy and republican groups which passed peacefully, reported The Guardian. 

The pro-monarchs are calling for the return of Gyanendra Shah, the country's last reigning monarch who still has a loyal following in the Himalayan country. 

Nepal has been witnessing a surge in the pro-royalist movement in recent times as the country grapples with ongoing political and economic stability that has led to widespread dissatisfaction with the government. 

Protest Turns Violent 

The Friday protest turned violent after the pro-monarchists breached the police barricades and began hurling stones at officers. The cops responded by firing teargas into the crowds and shooting rubber bullets and live ammunition into the air. 

Chaos gripped the streets as the pro-monarch demonstrators began ransacking homes and shops and set fire to buildings. Headquarters of several political parties were also vandalised, as were the offices of a prominent newspaper and a TV news channel. 

As many as 17 people were arrested in connection with the violence, said police spokesperson Shekhar Khanal.  “When the protesters tried to force their way past the restricted area, the police had no choice but to use teargas. Following this, the protesters then resorted to vandalism and arson,” he said.

A protestor was killed in the clashes and declared dead on arrival at the hospital, as per the report. A journalist was killed when a building was set ablaze. 

The government declared a curfew in the areas of Kathmandu and security personnel were deployed on the streets. Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the security situation.