Nepal: Protests erupt in Kathmandu as ex-king Gyanendra’s supporters demand monarchy’s return

Thousands of supporters gathered in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu on Sunday to welcome former King Gyanendra Shah and demand the restoration of the monarchy and the reinstatement of Hinduism as the state religion.

An estimated 10,000 supporters blocked the main entrance to Tribhuvan International Airport as Gyanendra arrived from a tour of western Nepal. Chants of “Vacate the royal palace for the king,” “Come back king, save the country,” and “We want monarchy” echoed through the crowd, forcing passengers to walk to and from the airport.

Hundreds of riot police prevented protesters from entering the airport, and the demonstration remained peaceful.

Gyanendra was forced to relinquish his authoritarian rule in 2006 following massive street protests, and the monarchy was officially abolished in 2008 when he left the Royal Palace to live as a commoner. However, many Nepalis have grown disillusioned with the republic, citing political instability, a struggling economy, and widespread corruption. Since the monarchy’s abolition, Nepal has seen 13 different governments.

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Rally participants said they were hoping for a change in the political system to stop the country from further deteriorating.

“We are here to give the king our full support and to rally behind him all the way to reinstating him in the royal throne,” said Thir Bahadur Bhandari, 72.

Among the thousands was 50-year-old carpenter Kulraj Shrestha, who had taken part in the 2006 protests against the king but has changed his mind and now supports the monarchy.

“The worst thing that is happening to the country is massive corruption and all politicians in power are not doing anything for the country,” Shrestha said. ”I was in the protests that took away monarchy hoping it would help the country, but I was mistaken and the nation has further plunged so I have changed my mind.”

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Gyanendra has not commented on the calls for the return of monarchy. Despite growing support for the former king, Gyanendra has slim chances of immediately returning to power.

He became the king in 2002, after his brother and family were massacred in the palace. He ruled as the constitutional head of state without executive or political powers until 2005, when he seized absolute power. He disbanded the government and parliament, jailed politicians and journalists and cut off communications, declaring a state of emergency and using the army to rule the country.