KATHMANDU: Security has been heightened at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) as preparations are underway to welcome former King Gyanendra Shah, who is returning to Kathmandu from Pokhara this afternoon.
Shah, who has been visiting various districts of Gandaki Province in recent weeks, is expected to be greeted by supporters upon his arrival. In response, security personnel have been deployed in key areas of Kathmandu, including the airport, to prevent any potential disturbances.
Authorities have imposed strict security measures, allowing only passengers and staff with valid tickets to enter the airport premises.
The move comes amid reports that royalist groups, including the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), are planning a rally to demonstrate their support for the former monarch.
RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden is also expected to join the welcoming crowd, with party leaders Gyanendra Shahi and Mohan Shrestha overseeing the arrangements.
Supporters are expected to gather in Gaushala and Tinkune before marching towards Nirmal Niwas, Shah’s residence.
In light of the planned demonstration, the Kathmandu District Security Committee held a meeting, chaired by Chief District Officer Rishi Ram Tiwari, to discuss crowd control measures. Intelligence teams in both uniform and plain clothes have been mobilized across key intersections of the city to monitor the situation.
The government has also indicated that all four security agencies could be deployed if necessary to maintain order.
Comment