Kathmandu, Nepal – A violent clash between pro-monarchy activists and security forces rocked Nepal’s capital on Friday, leaving one protester dead, several injured, and the city teetering on the edge of chaos. The escalating unrest, fueled by demands to restore the abolished monarchy and re-establish Nepal as a Hindu state, prompted authorities to impose a curfew in key areas and shut down Tribhuvan International Airport, stranding travelers and deepening the crisis.

The confrontation erupted in Kathmandu’s Tinkune area, where thousands of royalist supporters gathered, waving Nepal’s national flag and clutching portraits of former King Gyanendra Shah. Chanting slogans like “Raja aau, desh bachau” (Let the king come, save the nation) and “Down with the corrupt government,” the protesters voiced their frustration with the country’s political instability and economic woes. But what began as a rally quickly spiraled into violence as demonstrators breached police barricades and hurled stones at security personnel.

“We need the country to return to monarchy because the political parties have failed us,” said Rajendra Bahadur Khati, a protester caught in the melee. “The system is rotten from the core, and only the king can bring back stability.” His words echo a growing sentiment among royalists, who see the 2008 abolition of Nepal’s 240-year-old Hindu monarchy as the root of the nation’s troubles.

Escalation and Response

Eyewitnesses reported that tensions flared when protesters attempted to push past a designated security cordon. In response, riot police unleashed rounds of tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. The situation grew dire as demonstrators retaliated, setting fire to vehicles, homes, and even a commercial complex. A shopping mall, the headquarters of the CPN-Unified Socialist party, and the offices of Kantipur Television and Annapurna Post newspaper were also targeted in the rampage.

Local media confirmed that one protester succumbed to injuries sustained during the clash, while a dozen police officers were wounded. “The violence escalated beyond control because of police suppression,” claimed Ravi Shrestha, a royalist demonstrator. “We’re not just demanding the return of the king—we’re fighting for the institution of monarchy to save Nepal.”

In a bid to restore order, the Kathmandu district administration imposed a curfew across Tinkune, Sinamangal, and Koteshwor, effective from Friday evening. The Nepalese Army was deployed to patrol the streets, a rare move underscoring the gravity of the unrest. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli convened an emergency cabinet meeting to address the spiraling security situation, though no official statement has been released as of Saturday morning.

Airport Closure and Wider Impact

The closure of Tribhuvan International Airport, a vital lifeline for Nepal’s tourism-dependent economy, added another layer of disruption. Authorities allowed passengers with valid tickets to access the terminal, but the surrounding unrest halted normal operations, leaving travelers stranded and raising concerns about the broader economic fallout.

Friday’s violence marks the most significant pro-monarchy demonstration since early March, when an estimated 10,000 supporters greeted Gyanendra Shah at the same airport upon his return from a religious tour. That rally, too, featured fervent calls to “bring back our monarch,” with some displaying images of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath alongside the former king—a nod to their shared vision of Hindu governance.

A Nation Divided

Nepal’s transition to a secular, federal republic in 2008, following a parliamentary vote that ended Gyanendra’s reign, was hailed as a triumph of democracy. Yet, 16 years and 13 governments later, dissatisfaction runs deep. Political analysts point to rampant corruption, economic stagnation, and a failure to deliver stability as key drivers of the royalist resurgence.

“There’s a strong undercurrent of frustration,” said political commentator Anil Gurung. “For many, the monarchy represents a lost era of order and identity. But restoring it would require dismantling a system that, while flawed, has deep democratic roots.” Gurung noted that groups like the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), a vocal advocate for the monarchy, have capitalized on this discontent, rallying diverse factions under the royalist banner.

The movement gained momentum after Gyanendra’s February 19 Democracy Day video appeal for public support, a rare public intervention from the former king, who has lived as a private citizen since 2008. Royalists claim that nearly 400,000 people turned out to welcome him on March 9, though news agencies pegged the figure closer to 10,000—a discrepancy that highlights the polarized narratives shaping Nepal’s future.

What Lies Ahead?

As the dust settles in Kathmandu, questions linger about the viability of the royalist cause. While Friday’s clash underscores its growing intensity, the path to restoring a Hindu monarchy remains fraught with obstacles—not least the entrenched power of pro-republic forces, including the Maoist-led opposition, which fought a decade-long civil war to topple the crown.

For now, Nepal stands at a crossroads, its streets scarred by fire and its people divided by history. With the army on patrol and the airport shuttered, the nation braces for what comes next in this unfolding drama of power, faith, and identity.