Nepal: Amid violent protests, PM KP Sharma Oli calls a meeting of security chiefs, may the former king be arrested soon?

New Delhi: Violence has erupted during the ongoing protests in Nepal demanding the restoration of monarchy, in which one person died and many others were injured. In view of the seriousness of the situation, an emergency meeting of security chiefs was called in the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Chief of the Nepal Army, the IGP of Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force as well as the Director of the Intelligence Department reached the Prime Minister’s residence.

According to reliable sources, in the cabinet meeting, the responsibility of the violent clashes, arson, vandalism in Kathmandu was held on former King Gyanendra Shah and security chiefs were called to discuss the arrest. According to a minister participating in the cabinet meeting, the opinion of the security chiefs regarding the arrest of the former king will be sought and the possible circumstances arising after the arrest will be assessed.

How did the atmosphere deteriorate in Nepal?
Clashes between monarchy supporters and security forces have taken place in many areas of Kathmandu. Protesters tried to break the security cordon, in response to which the police used tear gas. During this, a commercial complex, shopping mall, a political party headquarters and a media house building were set on fire, injuring more than 12 policemen.

Airport closed and impact on flights
Due to the violence, Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport has been temporarily closed. Air Asia from Bangkok, Bangladesh Airlines from Dhaka, Fly Dubai from Dubai and Korean Air flights from Seoul have been instructed to make emergency landings in India. Similarly, flights of Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai and Batik Air have also been stopped.

How did the demand for monarchy suddenly arise?
Let us tell you that Nepal abolished the monarchy by Parliament in 2008, making it a secular, federal, democratic republic. However, recently the demand for the restoration of the monarchy has intensified, especially after former King Gyanendra appealed for public support on the occasion of Democracy Day on February 19.

When Gyanendra returned from a religious visit earlier this month, a large number of monarchy supporters welcomed him at Tribhuvan International Airport. The protesters raised slogans like “King come back, save the country”, “We want monarchy”. Some supporters also displayed pictures of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with Gyanendra.

Growing wave of monarchy support
Political experts believe that a strong movement is taking shape in Nepal demanding the restoration of Hindu monarchy. The main reason for this is the growing disappointment among the public over corruption and economic decline. Nepal has changed 13 governments since 2008, but political instability persists.

Monarchy supporters claim that more than 4 lakh people gathered to welcome Gyanendra on March 9, while news agencies estimated the attendance to be close to 10,000.

To handle this worsening situation, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called an emergency cabinet meeting. The current situation in the country and security measures were discussed in this meeting. The current situation in Nepal is worrying, and the government is taking necessary steps to control the situation.