KATHMANDU: Chairman of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Pashupati Shumsher Rana has accused the government of suppressing the values and essence of democracy.

Addressing the people who attended the procession to pay homage at late King Prithvi Narayan Shah’s statue at Singh Durbar West Gate on the occasion of the 299th birth anniversary, RPP Chairman Rana lambasted the government for the mockery of democracy.

Citing the baton charge on the participants of the procession, Chairman Rana pointed out that the government has suppressed the peaceful procession appreciating the great achievements of Shah.

“The government should have been honest and loyal to the unifier of Nepal and appreciated the contribution of the great king,” he told the participants of the procession, “Rather than appreciating the great works, the government tried to suppress the participants.”

Rana criticized the government for its ‘atrocities’ and reiterated that Hinduism and restoration of the monarchy are needed for the true safeguard of democracy.

On the occasion of the 299th birth anniversary of Shah, RPP leaders and cadres had gathered at the west gate of Singh Durbar to pay homage and lay wreaths at the statue of Shah.

Police used batons to disperse the crowd.