KATHMANDU, March 31: Former King Gyanendra Shah has refused to accept letters from the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) demanding that he pay a fine of Rs 793,000 in penalty for the damage and litters caused last Friday in and around the pro-monarchy protest hotspot of Tinkune.
The metropolis letter was issued on Sunday after assessing the damage and during Friday’s violent protests by the former king’s supporters, in which two persons were killed. KMC has officially issued a fine notice to former King Gyanendra Shah's palace, Nirmal Niwas, seeking a total fine of Rs 793,000.
Eight separate notices issued for damage and littering
The KMC has issued the fine in the form of eight various notices—one personally to Gyanendra Shah and the other seven for Nirmal Niwas, seeking fine for the destruction of property in the pro-monarchy protests, including vandalism and arson perpetrated in Tinkune and Koteshwor.
The fine covers the offenses of littering, and public disturbance under the Solid Waste Management Act 2011, the Kathmandu Metropolitan Environment and Natural Resource Conservation Act, 2077 BS, and the Financial Act of the KMC.
Delivery of fine notice met with resistance
On Sunday, a team of officials from the KMC Metropolitan Police attempted to deliver the fine notice personally to Nirmal Niwas, the private residence of the former king.
However, they were unsuccessful in their endeavor when security personnel at the residence denied them entry through the gate to hand over the notice. Thus, the KMC resorted to posting the fine notice.
Protests spark controversy and claims of political stunt
The pro-monarchy protests, in which supporters of the former king fought with security forces and engaged in violence, have sparked a political row. Critics accuse the KMC of attempting to politicize the matter, with some accusing Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) of unfairly targeting the former king.
President of Rastriya Prajatantra Party Rajendra Lingden said on Sunday that KMC Mayor Balen Shah’s decision to issue a fine notice to the former king was a serious mistake.
Some pro-monarchy groups have refused the fine, arguing that the involvement of Gyanendra Shah in the protests has been exaggerated and is politically motivated.
Fundraising campaign launched to pay the fine
In response to the fine, a fundraising call has been initiated by Rameshraj Bastola, a prominent monarchist. Bastola, who had previously lost his position as a tourist promoter in Lisbon because of his involvement in the pro-monarchy movement, has contributed Rs 50,000 for paying the fine.
“Here, I am ready to contribute Rs 50,000; who else is there? Let's all contribute together,” Bastola said on Facebook after starting the collection to pay the fine issued to the former king.