KATHMANDU: Durga Prasai, a controversial figure leading a campaign to restore the monarchy, has claimed in a video statement that he has not fled the country.
He stated that he is in hiding only due to threats to his life, not because he is avoiding accountability.
Following the March 28 protest in Kathmandu’s Tinkune, where two people lost their lives, Prasai had been out of public sight.
On Wednesday, he released an eight-minute video on Facebook, asserting that he was not on the run but staying low for safety.
Citing the assassination of Peruvian leader Gonzalo during the Shining Path movement, Prasai said he believed there was a similar plot against him.
“They tried to do to me what was done to Gonzalo in Peru. But I survived. I am not running away,” he said. “I will return with renewed energy. I’m ready to appear publicly within 24 hours if my safety is guaranteed.”
He insisted he had not crossed into India and was still inside Nepal.
He also expressed willingness to come forward in the presence of human rights activists and legal representatives, including Swagat Nepal and Tanka Dulal.
Prasai alleged that he had personally sought permission from the Chief District Officer of Kathmandu to hold a peaceful protest on March 28.
However, he claimed that police used tear gas during the national anthem, inciting violence at the scene.
He further accused Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), and an unnamed pro-monarchist leader of conspiring to incite violence during the protest.
“I have credible information that the Prime Minister Oli, Prachanda, and a royalist figure held a secret meeting to disrupt the movement. I will reveal that royalist’s name at the right time,” he said.
Towards the end of his message, Prasai offered financial support of Rs 500,000 each to the families of journalist Suresh Rajak and transport worker Sabin Maharjan, who died during the protest. He said he would hand over the amount once he appears publicly.
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