Nepal Monarchy Protests: The Movement to Restore the Hindu Kingdom
In late 2023, the streets of Kathmandu became the center of a significant political upheaval as thousands of citizens gathered to demand a fundamental shift in Nepal's governance. The movement sought the restoration of the monarchy and the reinstatement of Nepal's official status as a Hindu kingdom, challenging the current secular republican framework.
The Outbreak of Demonstrations
On November 23, 2023, tens of thousands of protesters marched through Kathmandu. These demonstrations were loosely organized under the Campaign to protect nation, nationalism, religion, culture and citizens (Rashtra, Rashtriyata, Dharma-Sanskriti Aur Nagarik Bachau Andolan). The primary objective of the march was to voice a collective demand for the return of the monarchy.
The atmosphere turned volatile when protesters attempted to breach police barricades on the outskirts of the city to reach the capital's center. This action prompted riot police to intervene to repel the crowd. Additionally, tensions escalated as protesters clashed with supporters of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), known as the CPN-UML.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Government Response and Escalation
In an effort to curb the unrest, the government took direct action against the movement's leadership. On November 24, Durga Prasai, the leader of the Campaign to protect nation, nationalism, religion, culture and citizens, was placed under an unofficial house arrest.
Despite the detention of their leader, supporters of Prasai continued to hold massive demonstrations, specifically in the Tinkune area of Kathmandu. The city had designated specific zones for different groups: the Tinkune area was allocated for the CPN-UML's youth wing, while the Balku area was designated for Prasai's supporters.
Because Prasai's supporters lacked the necessary permits to protest in a public space, police intervened, resulting in the arrest of more than 210 demonstrators. Reports from The Kathmandu Post indicated that some of those detained were merely passersby caught in the unrest.
Timeline of Continued Unrest
The initial wave of protests persisted in Kathmandu from November 25 through November 27, 2023. While the intensity of the November events eventually subsided, the movement did not disappear entirely. Smaller follow-up protests, organized by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, were subsequently held on February 21 and April 9, 2024.
Key Facts
- Primary Demand: Restoration of the monarchy and Nepal's status as a Hindu kingdom.
- Lead Organization: Campaign to protect nation, nationalism, religion, culture and citizens.
- Key Figure: Durga Prasai, who was placed under unofficial house arrest on November 24, 2023.
- Major Clashes: Occurred between protesters, riot police, and CPN-UML supporters.
- Arrests: Over 210 people were arrested in the Tinkune area due to a lack of protest permits.
| Date | Event/Action | Key Participants |
|---|---|---|
| November 23, 2023 | Mass march in Kathmandu; clashes with police and CPN-UML | Rashtra Rashtriyata Campaign |
| November 24, 2023 | Unofficial house arrest of Durga Prasai; arrests in Tinkune | Durga Prasai, Nepal Government |
| Nov 25–27, 2023 | Continued protests in the capital | Pro-monarchy demonstrators |
| Feb 21 & Apr 9, 2024 | Smaller follow-up demonstrations | Rastriya Prajatantra Party |
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the protesters demanding in Kathmandu?
The protesters demanded the restoration of the monarchy and that Nepal be reinstated as a Hindu kingdom.
Who led the Campaign to protect nation, nationalism, religion, culture and citizens?
The campaign was led by Durga Prasai.
Why were over 210 people arrested in the Tinkune area?
They were arrested because they lacked the required permits to protest in a public place.
Which political party's supporters clashed with the pro-monarchy protesters?
Supporters of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), or CPN-UML, clashed with the protesters.
Did the protests continue into 2024?
Yes, smaller follow-up protests organized by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party took place on February 21 and April 9, 2024.