Tensions rise in Nepal as pro-monarchists issue one-week ultimatum to Government

Pro-monarchists in Nepal have issued a stark warning to the government, demanding an agreement within one week to restore the monarchy. The newly formed Joint People’s Movement Committee announced on Thursday their intention to escalate protests if their demands are not met. This ultimatum comes amidst rising political tensions in the country, with the group also planning a rally near the Tribhuvan International Airport on Friday.

Nabaraj Subedi, the 87-year-old convener of the committee and a staunch supporter of former King Gyanendra, addressed the media, stating firmly, “We give all pro-republic parties and the government a week to ponder over our demands, which we are pursuing peacefully, and failure to respond to them positively will compel us to intensify protests until our goal is achieved.” The core demand of the pro-monarchists is for the government to embrace the 1991 constitution.

The 1991 constitution established a constitutional monarchy with a multi-party system of parliamentary democracy and enshrined Nepal as a unitary Hindu state. Subedi urged the current government to accept this constitution, emphasizing these fundamental features as crucial for the nation's future. He further called for suitable amendments to be made in the existing constitution to accommodate these principles.

In response to the growing mobilization of pro-monarchist forces, counter-demonstrations are also being organized. The Socialist Forum, a coalition of four political parties, has announced a rally in favor of the republic system at the Bhrikutimandap area of Kathmandu on Friday. This demonstration aims to counter the pro-monarchist movement and reaffirm the public's commitment to the current republican framework. Several prominent political entities, including the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre and the CPN-Unified Marxist Leninist, are expected to join the Socialist Forum's demonstration to show solidarity in strengthening the republic.

The Socialist Forum has asserted that the Nepali people have made significant sacrifices to establish the republic and will not allow the restoration of the monarchy. This sets the stage for potential clashes and further political instability in the capital city.

In anticipation of potential violent confrontations arising from these opposing demonstrations, the government has made a significant decision to deploy over five thousand security personnel in Kathmandu. This large-scale deployment underscores the seriousness of the situation and the government's efforts to maintain law and order amidst the escalating tensions between pro-monarchist and pro-republican factions. The coming week is expected to be crucial in determining the trajectory of Nepal's political landscape as the government weighs the demands of the pro-monarchist movement against the prevailing support for the republic.