Protests For Monarchy, Hindu State In Nepal Turn Violent; Army Deployed, Curfew In Kathmandu

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Last Updated:March 28, 2025, 22:13 IST

In response to the escalating tensions, authorities have imposed a curfew in affected areas of Kathmandu. The Nepal Army was also deployed to maintain order

Pro-monarchy demonstrators pelt stones on Nepal police vehicle during a protest to demand a Hindu state, in Kathmandu on March 28, 2025. (AFP photo)

Violence broke out between the police and pro-monarchy activists in Kathmandu on Friday as protests erupted demanding the restoration of the monarchy and Nepal’s status as a Hindu Kingdom.

The demonstration turned tense, with police firing tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters.

#WATCH | The Nepal Army is being deployed on the streets of Kathmandu following a clash between pro-monarchists and Police today.The protesters are demanding the restoration of the monarchy. Curfew has been imposed in Tinkune, Sinamangal and Koteshwor areas of Kathmandu. pic.twitter.com/9ZWrKY0EJm
— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2025

Protesters Chant ‘We Want Monarchy Back’

Thousands of pro-monarchy demonstrators gathered in Tinkune, chanting slogans such as “Raja aau desh bachau" (May the King come to save the country), “Down with the corrupt government", and “We want the monarchy back."

The protesters were demanding the restoration of the monarchy, which was abolished in 2008, along with a return to Nepal’s status as a Hindu Kingdom.

Several protesters and police officers were injured in the clashes, but no serious casualties were reported. Protesters also vandalised nearby buildings, with at least two set on fire.

What Is The Tension About?

The tension in the Himalayan nation is rooted in its political history. In 2008, after a decade-long civil war that claimed over 16,000 lives, Nepal abolished its 240-year-old Hindu monarchy and adopted a federal, republican political system. The move was part of a peace deal, but since then, the country has faced growing political instability, corruption, and economic challenges.

As dissatisfaction with the current system grew, so did support for the restoration of the monarchy. Many of the pro-monarchy activists also want Hinduism to be re-enshrined as the state religion.

The movement gained momentum after former King Gyanendra Shah issued a video message on Democracy Day (February 19), appealing for support for the monarchy’s return.

Shah, 77, who abdicated the throne in 2008, has largely stayed out of politics in recent years. He was crowned in 2001 after the tragic palace massacre, which killed his elder brother, King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah, and most of the royal family. His reign began during the Maoist insurgency, which raged in remote areas of Nepal.

In 2005, Shah suspended the constitution and dissolved parliament, leading to a popular democratic uprising. The Maoists joined forces with Nepal’s political establishment to push for street protests, which ultimately led to the abolition of the monarchy in 2008.