KATHMANDU, April 20: Authorities in Kathmandu have tightened security ahead of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP)'s protest today to prevent any repeat of the deadly Tinkune violence that erupted last month. Police have increased deployment in sensitive and restricted zones, including Singha Durbar, the Parliament building, Maitighar Mandala, Baluwatar, and the President's Office.
Under the leadership of party chairperson Rajendra Lingden, the RPP is staging a protest at Bijuli Bazaar. Anticipating possible unrest, the Kathmandu Valley Police Office has reinforced security and warned against any attempt to breach prohibited areas. Officers are on standby to use force if protesters defy the restrictions. Police have also introduced alternative traffic routes to ease movement in the capital.
Security beefed up in Nepal-India border area
The RPP has called on the government to remain calm, promising that today's demonstration will be peaceful. The party, however, warned that if the authorities act provocatively, its members are ready to submit to mass arrests.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, responding to earlier threats by the RPP to enter restricted areas, issued a statement on Saturday warning that it would not tolerate any form of anarchy and that security agencies were fully prepared to intervene.
On March 28, a royalist protest in Tinkune turned violent, leaving two people dead. Police later arrested several individuals in connection with the violence, including key accused Durga Prasai, RPP Vice Chair Rabindra Mishra, and General Secretary Dhawal Shumsher Jabara. Royalists have continued to rally, demanding the release of arrested leaders, the restoration of the monarchy, and Nepal's re-declaration as a Hindu nation.
