Tensions Rise as Royalists Accuse State of Suppression

As public dissatisfaction with the current political system grows, supporters of the monarchy have accused the government of silencing their voices through arrests and restrictions.

At a gathering in Kathmandu on Wednesday, leaders of the Joint People’s Movement Committee said their recent peaceful protests were met with violence and unfair arrests. The committee, which is pushing for the return of the monarchy, has now warned of mass arrests if their demands are not met.

Acting coordinator Jagaman Gurung announced that if the leaders arrested during the March 28 protest are not released and Nabaraj Subedi is not freed from house arrest by May 4, the group will begin a civil disobedience campaign starting May 5, with mass voluntary arrests.

Gurung said he would lead the movement himself, adding that their protests will be peaceful but firm. He also rejected claims that the royalist movement is weakening, saying strategic action will begin soon.

Also speaking at the event, Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal chair Kamal Thapa claimed that the government was the reason why the March 28 protest at Tinkune turned violent. He claimed that the state is trying to frame former King Gyanendra Shah, and warned that changing the constitution to block a potential return of the monarchy could trigger serious unrest.