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FACT CHECK: Fake news, photos on pro-monarchy protests go viral on social media

Khabarhub

December 8, 2020

4 MIN READ

FACT CHECK: Fake news, photos on pro-monarchy protests go viral on social media

Representational Graphic

KATHMANDU: Amid the ongoing pro-monarchy demonstrations, several images with thousands of supporters as well as anti-republican news have been circulated on media with the claim that these are real.

Meanwhile, it has been found that some pictures were not of the mass demonstrations in Jhapa and elsewhere but were old pictures.

This two-year-old photo had gone viral on social media saying: “Pro-monarchy demonstration in Jhapa”. In fact, this photo was taken in Butwal a few years ago.

Such news and pictures of the ongoing demonstrations have flooded social media, evoking mixed responses.

There were some fake news about former king Gyanendra supporting the demonstrators.

Several social media users have posted and shared such pictures and news, which are, in fact, fake.

This collage image says pro-royalist agitation in an aggressive mood. Also seen in former King Gyanendra Shah (R) with folded hands and demonstrators.

One such fake news posted by www.gunjankhabar.com, says King Gyanendra Shah has indicated that people will take power in their own hands.

“Issuing a statement that has gone viral on Facebook, former King Gyanendra has sent a special message to the countrymen. Shah has appealed to all the people of the country to help the country.”

A collage photo on social media saying: “Aggressive demonstration…two-way clash.”

The very-little known portal quotes Shah’s statement: “I humbly request all our friends, allies and well-wishers to stay away from personal prejudice, and unnecessary doubts and suspicions.”

However, the truth is former King Gyanendra has not issued any statement supporting the demonstration. According to his personal secretary Phanindra Pathak, the former monarch is least bothered with the ongoing protests against republican-set up and federalism.

Likewise, another news portal, onlinemarga.com, has quoted senior communist leader Mohan Bikram Singh as warning that the pro-monarchy demonstrations should not be taken lightly.

The portal says even communist leaders, including Nepal Communist Party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Prime Minister KP Oli and others are equally concerned with the protests.

Likewise, Manaranjan Sansar, has said royalists were “ready to do or die” for the sake of establishing monarchy in the country.

The caption of this collage photo on social media says huge demonstration demanding reinstatement of Hindu state.
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