Curfew Lifted In Kathmandu, Violent Protests Leave Two Dead

<p>A day-long curfew that was imposed in the eastern part of Katmandu was lifted by the authorities in Nepal as tensions eased in the area following violent protests, which led to the death of two people. The curfew imposed since 4:25 pm on Friday has been lifted from 7 am on Saturday, according to a notice issued by Kathmandu District Administration Office.</p>
<p>On Friday, clashes broke out between pro-monarchy protesters and security personnel. The protesters pelted stones and attacked the office of a political party, set fire to vehicles and looted shops in the Tinkune area of the capital, according to a PTI report.</p>
<p>Two persons, including a TV cameraman, were killed 110 others were injured in the clashes. Later, the Army was called out to control the situation. Police arrested 105 agitators who were involved in burning houses and vandalising vehicles during Friday’s violent demonstration, reported PTI.</p>
<p>Those arrested included the general secretary of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party Dhawal Shumsher Rana and a central member of the party, Rabindra Mishra, among others. Durga Prasai, the key person behind Friday’s violent demonstration, is at large, Superintendent of Police of Kathmandu District Police Range Apil Bohara said, as per PTI.</p>
<p>The police said that 53 police personnel, 22 Armed Police Force personnel and 35 protestors were injured in Friday’s incident.</p>
<p>During the violent protests, 14 buildings were set ablaze, and nine were damaged. Additionally, nine government vehicles were torched, while six private vehicles were vandalised.</p>
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<p>Protesters also attacked the Kantipur Television building and Annapurna Media House in the Tinkune area.</p>
<p>A Cabinet meeting was convened to address the evolving security situation in the aftermath of the violent protest, according to a PTI report.</p>
<h3><strong>Restoration Of Monarchy&nbsp;</strong></h3>
<p>The government resolved to revoke former King Gyanendra Shah’s state privileges and cancel his passport, accusing him of inciting the unrest. The protests were led by monarchists demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy and the re-establishment of a Hindu kingdom. The monarchists have been demanding the restoration of the monarchy since the former king appealed for support in a video message telecast on Democracy Day on February 19.</p>
<p>Nepal’s political transition began in 2008 when the Parliament declared an end to the 240-year-old monarchy, transforming the nation from a Hindu kingdom into a secular, federal, democratic republic.</p>
<p>The demonstration escalated into violence after Prasai, the convenor of the agitation, breached the security barricade in a bulletproof vehicle and advanced toward Baneshwor, where the Parliament building is situated.</p>
<p>The pro-monarchy activists also held a rally on March 9 in support of the former king, who landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport from Pokhara after visiting religious places in different parts of the country.</p>