The Nepal Weekly 
April 1, 2025
Nepal government has downsized the security team deployed for former King Gyanendra Shah. The number of security personnel at the Nirmal Niwas, the private residence of the ex-King has been reduced from 25 to 16 after Friday’s incident. The government has also reshuffled the team of security personnel deployed for the ex-monarch, Home Ministry sources said.
After the protest organized by pro-monarchists in Tinkune area of Kathmandu turned violent the government has also increased vigilance on the activities of the former monarch, the sources said. Two persons including a journalist were killed and over one hundred people injured during the violent demonstration organized by the pro-monarchists in Kathmandu on Friday demanding reinstatement of a Hindu monarch.
THe government has also arrested at least 110 people including leaders of pro-monarchist Rastriya Prajatantra Party, who were involved in the violent protests. THose arrested include general secretary of RPP Dhawal Shumsher Rana, vice president of the party Ravindra Mishra, lawyer Swagat Nepal and pro-monarchist religious guru Pushkar Khatiwada. However, the commander of Friday’s agitation, Durga Prasai is at large, according to Nepal Police sources.
Largest party in the Parliament Nepali Congress on Thursday said that former King Gyanendra should be held responsible for Friday’s violent incidents. Over a dozen houses including business complex, restaurant, hospital, bank and private and government buildings were vandalized by the agitators on the occasion.
Former King Gyanendra was behind all the activities of pro-monarchy and pro-Hindu campaigners around the country, remarked Pushpakamal Dahal “Prachanda,” chairman of opposition CPN-Maoist Centre.
However, pro-monarchy RPP has demanded the release of its two leaders Mishra and Rana within 24 hours and warned to take to the street otherwise. The party has held the government responsible for what had happened during their demonstration in Kathmandu on Friday.
