Nepal’s ruling coalition has escalated political tensions by calling for the arrest of former King Gyanendra Shah following violent clashes during pro-monarchy demonstrations. The move, reported by the local media, underscores the deepening divide between Nepal’s republican government and supporters of the former monarchy.
The demand for Gyanendra Shah’s arrest was raised in Nepal’s House of Representatives on Sunday (March 30) by members of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) and the Nepali Congress. The call for action came after large-scale pro-monarchy demonstrations erupted in Kathmandu and other cities on Friday, leading to violent confrontations between protestors and security forces.
Parliamentary proceedings quickly descended into chaos as MPs from the pro-monarchy Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) vehemently opposed the proposal. The heated debate led to a temporary adjournment of the House session, highlighting the growing tensions between Nepal’s republican and royalist factions.
The demonstrations, led by royalist groups, witnessed thousands taking to the streets, demanding the reinstatement of Nepal’s monarchy and a rollback of the country’s federal democratic system. Protestors, waving Nepal’s former royal flag and chanting slogans in support of Gyanendra Shah, clashed with police forces, resulting in injuries on both sides.
Government officials have defended their response, stating that security forces acted within legal bounds to maintain order. However, pro-monarchy lawmakers accused Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s government of using “excessive force” to suppress political dissent.
Kamal Thapa, leader of the Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N) and former deputy prime minister, openly challenged the government, stating, “The government can come and arrest me any time because I am a monarchist.” His remarks reflect the broader dissatisfaction among royalist factions who believe Nepal’s transition to a republic in 2008 has failed to deliver stability and progress.
Meanwhile, government sources cited by media indicate that the Oli administration is under mounting pressure from the CPN-UML to take action against the former king. Options reportedly under consideration include placing Gyanendra Shah under house arrest or formally detaining him for allegedly instigating unrest.
As tensions escalated, the Nepalese government took a step by reducing the security cover of the former king. On Sunday, the number of security personnel stationed at Nirmal Niwas, Gyanendra Shah’s private residence, was reduced from 25 to 16. The decision signals a deliberate move to curtail his privileges as a former head of state, further exacerbating the standoff between monarchists and the republican government.
Nepal’s monarchy was formally abolished in 2008 after a decade-long civil war, leading to the establishment of a federal democratic republic. However, recent years have seen a resurgence in pro-monarchy sentiment, fueled by public dissatisfaction over political instability, corruption, and economic challenges.
Gyanendra Shah, who ruled Nepal until his forced abdication, has maintained a low profile in national politics. However, his symbolic presence continues to serve as a rallying point for those advocating for a return to the monarchy. The latest protests are seen as the strongest expression of royalist demands in years, posing a direct challenge to the republican establishment.
The coming days are likely to witness further political maneuvering as the Oli government decides on its course of action regarding Gyanendra Shah. The ongoing unrest also raises concerns about the potential for broader instability, with royalist groups vowing to intensify their movement if action is taken against the former king.
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