Sat Mar 29 12:54:39 UTC 2025: ## Renewed Pro-Monarchy Protests in Nepal Turn Violent, Leaving Two Dead

**Kathmandu, Nepal –** Pro-monarchy protests in Kathmandu, Nepal, escalated into violence on Friday, March 28, 2025, resulting in two deaths and numerous injuries. The demonstrations, organized by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and other pro-monarchist groups, initially began as a peaceful rally near the international airport but quickly devolved into chaos.

Protesters clashed with security forces, throwing stones and vandalizing property, including setting a house on fire and attacking media outlets. Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons. One protester and a video journalist who was trapped in a burning building were killed.

The violence prompted the government to impose a curfew, which was lifted on Saturday morning. Several RPP leaders, including a Member of Parliament, were arrested. Authorities are still searching for Durga Prasai, a controversial figure who acted as the rally’s “commander” and is accused of inciting the violence.

The protests are the latest in a series of demonstrations in recent months fueled by growing public dissatisfaction with Nepal’s political parties, who are accused of corruption and failing to address pressing economic issues. The resurgence of pro-monarchist sentiment is seen by many as an attempt by former King Gyanendra Shah, who held absolute power in a 2005 coup, to regain influence.

While the army was deployed to help restore order, analysts argue that the government’s response was inadequate and contributed to the escalation of violence. Concerns were raised about a potential security lapse given the scale of the protests and a similar rally earlier this month.

Political analysts and former officials stress the need for Nepal’s political parties to address public discontent through reform and improved governance rather than resorting to provocative statements. The incident highlights the fragility of Nepal’s democracy and the ongoing tension between republican and monarchist factions.

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