Kathmandu descended into chaos on Friday, March 28, as pro-monarchy protests escalated into violence, leaving two people dead and injuring around three dozen.
Among the deceased was Sabin Maharjan of Kirtipur, confirmed Chhabi Rijal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Maharjan, a protester, sustained severe injuries during the clashes and succumbed while receiving treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), according to Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), the state-owned news agency.
Similarly, Suresh Rajak , a cameraman for Avenues Television, lost his life when protesters set fire to a building in Tinkune . Rajak, who was on the rooftop capturing footage of the demonstration, was trapped by the flames and unable to escape, resulting in his tragic death, reported RSS. Demonstrators alleged that security forces had used the building to fire tear gas at them.
According to the ministry, at least 23 demonstrators, nine Armed Police Force (APF) personnel, and nine Nepal Police officers sustained injuries during the unrest.
Visuals from the scene, widely circulated on social media, reveal extensive acts of arson , vandalism, and looting by protesters. Various properties, including the party office of the CPN (Unified Socialist) and the building of the Herbs Production and Processing Company Ltd . at Jadibuti, were torched, while multiple vehicles were set on fire.
Media offices were also targeted in the violence.
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Videos surfaced showing demonstrators looting goods from Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Koteshwar, further highlighting the lawlessness that gripped the city.
In a statement , the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), the umbrella organization of journalists, strongly condemned the attacks on journalists and media houses. Demanding an in-depth investigation into the incident, it has sought to hold the responsible ones accountable.
“A group of protesters vandalized and set fire to the Annapurna Media Group building in Tinkune. They attempted to storm the Kantipur Television office and later resorted to stone-pelting after security personnel blocked their entry, creating panic inside the newsroom,” read the statement. Additionally, a vehicle belonging to Himalayan Television was severely damaged.
Joint Secretary Rijal stated that the protest organizers would be held accountable for the destruction.
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In response to the escalating violence, the District Administration Office (DAO), Kathmandu, has imposed a curfew in Tinkune and surrounding areas . Initially effective from 4:25 PM to 10 PM, the curfew has been extended to 7 AM Saturday. Areas from Gaushala to the Airport, Gauridhara, Tinkune to Koteshwar, Koteshwar to Jadibuti Bridge, Koteshwar to Balkumari Bridge, Baneshwar to Shankhamul Bridge, and Gaushala Chowk to Naya Baneshwar Chowk via Purano Baneshwor are under curfew, according to an official notice.
Earlier in the day, tensions flared when demonstrators attempted to breach into restricted areas , prompting security forces to deploy tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd.
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The protests were led by Durga Prasai, Executive Director of Jhapa-based B & C Medical College, a figure mired in controversy . His pro-monarchy campaign has, however, attracted a massive following, rallying for Nepal’s reinstatement as a Hindu Kingdom.
Pro-republican groups held a separate demonstration on Friday, adding to the complexity of the situation. Supporters of the federal democratic republic, under the banner of the Socialist Front, staged protests at Pradarshani Marg. The Socialist Front includes the CPN (Maoist Centre), CPN (Unified Socialist), and the Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplab’-led Nepal Communist Party, among others.
This news has been updated to add that the curfew in Tinkune and the surrounding areas has been extended until 7 AM Saturday.
(With inputs from RSS)
