Nepal Govt Suspects Ex-King Gyanendra Of Stoking Pro-Monarchy Protests, Plans To Revoke His Passport

Last Updated:March 29, 2025, 19:58 IST

Nepal saw violent pro-monarchy protests in Kathmandu on Friday after a call led by former King Gyanendra Shah to "protect" the country and bring national unity.

Former Nepal King Gyanendra Shah (AP File Photo)

The Nepal government has reportedly initiated the process of revoking former King Gyanendra Shah’s passport over his alleged involvement in inciting the pro-monarchy protests in Kathmandu on Friday.

Officials claim the move aims to prevent Shah from leaving the country while an investigation into the protests is underway, according to Nepal News. The government has planned to take legal action against those involved in the unrest.

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. Authorities imposed a curfew in the aftermath of the violence, and the Army was deployed to maintain order.

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Gyanendra Shah Fined For Pro-Monarchy Riots

Gyanendra Shah was issued a letter on Saturday demanding fine by Kathmandu’s civic body following the damage caused to public property and environment during the pro-monarchy protests in parts of the Nepalese capital.

As the protest was organised on the call of Gyanendra Shah, Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s (KMC) mayor Balendra Shah sent a letter to his residence at Nirmala Niwas at Maharjgunj on the outskirt of Kathmandu asking him to pay Nepali Rupees 7,93,000 as compensation against the damage.

The pro-monarchists have become active since democracy day in February when Gyanendra Shah said, “Time has come for us to assume responsibility to protect the country and bring about national unity." The pro-monarchists were organising rallies in Kathmandu and other parts of the country, demanding the reinstatement of the 240-year-old monarchy, abolished in 2008.

Tense Situation In Kathmandu

Drastic scenes ensued in Kathmandu as Nepali riot police lobbed tear gas, fired water cannon and used rattan sticks on Friday to break up a protest rally demanding the restoration of a constitutional monarchy, and at least two people were killed in the violence, police said.

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." They also vandalised homes, shops, a hospital, a political party office, vehicles and a shopping mall.

More than 112 people were injured, including 77 security officials, according to authorities. Rishiram Tiwari, Kathmandu’s chief district officer, said 105 protesters, including some pro-monarchy leaders were taken into custody.

Nepal’s 239-year-old monarchy was abolished in 2008 by a specially elected assembly as part of a deal with Maoist former rebels, ending an insurgency that killed 17,000 people between 1996 and 2006.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kathmandu, Nepal

News world Nepal Govt Suspects Ex-King Gyanendra Of Stoking Pro-Monarchy Protests, Plans To Revoke His Passport