A protest demanding the restoration of Nepal as a Hindu kingdom turned violent in Tinkune, Kathmandu, leaving multiple security personnel and demonstrators injured in escalating political unrest. The demonstration, initially announced as a peaceful rally, quickly descended into chaos as clashes erupted between pro-monarchy supporters and security forces.
Several members of the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, along with demonstrators, sustained injuries during the violent exchanges. Some of the wounded have been admitted to Kantipur Hospital in Tinkune, according to reports from The Kathmandu Post.
Violence broke out after pro-monarchy protesters attempted to breach police barricades and began pelting stones at security forces. In response, officials deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Earlier in the day, a roadside building in Tinkune was vandalised and set ablaze, further escalating tensions. According to local media, despite being declared a peaceful rally, demonstrators engaged in acts of vandalism, smashing windows of buildings along the roadside. The situation deteriorated when protesters broke through security perimeters, prompting a forceful police crackdown.
The protest was reportedly led by the Nawaraj Subedi-led Joint Movement Committee, with support from local businessman Durga Prasai, who played a key role in mobilising demonstrators. Additionally, the Rajendra Lingden-led pro-monarchy Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) publicly backed the movement, aligning with broader royalist demands.
The violent clash at Tinkune is the latest flashpoint in a growing wave of pro-monarchy resurgence across Nepal. In recent months, support for former King Gyanendra has surged, fueled by public disillusionment with the current political system.
Massive crowds have gathered to greet the ex-monarch during his recent public appearances, particularly during his return to Kathmandu on March 9, where tens of thousands lined the streets in a powerful show of support.
The appeal of reviving the monarchy is largely driven by perceptions that Nepal’s post-2008 republican framework has failed to deliver political stability, good governance, or economic progress. Widespread frustration over corruption, political infighting, and institutional decay has led many citizens to demand a return to constitutional monarchy and the re-establishment of Nepal as a Hindu state.
The growing royalist movement has put Nepal’s major political parties—particularly communist factions—on the defensive, as they struggle to contain the rising tide of monarchist sentiment. The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and RPP-Nepal have capitalised on this public dissatisfaction, organising large-scale rallies nationwide.
Adding to the momentum, former King Gyanendra’s Democracy Day address in February—where he openly criticised Nepal’s current governance model and lamented the erosion of cultural identity—further galvanised royalist support. His recent visit to Uttar Pradesh and meeting with Yogi Adityanath has also drawn regional attention, sparking discussions on cross-border religious and political implications.
