KATHMANDU: Pro-republican and royalist groups are holding separate protests in Kathmandu today (Friday).
In response, the government and local administration have heightened security measures in the Valley, designating specific areas for the demonstrations to ensure order and safety.
The District Administration Office, Kathmandu has allocated Exhibition Road-Bhrikutimandap for pro-republican protests and Tinkune for pro-royalist gatherings.
To reinforce security for both demonstrations, the District Administration Offices of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur have formed a joint security mechanism and implemented necessary security arrangements.
Kathmandu’s Chief District Officer (CDO) Rishiram Tiwari stated that security personnel have been deployed and program venues have been designated to maintain peace during the demonstrations.
“To ensure that both protests remain peaceful, we have mobilized the necessary security forces, modified the rally routes, and strengthened security at the meeting venues,” he said.
The pro-republican demonstration is being jointly organized by the Maoist Center, Unified Socialist, Nepal Socialist Party, and CPN Biplav groups, all affiliated with the Socialist Front.
Meanwhile, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai are leading a separate protest under the banner of ‘Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture, and Citizen Protection Mahaabhiyan,’ advocating for the restoration of a Hindu state with a ceremonial monarchy.
Swagat Nepal, spokesperson for this group, has urged all participants to ensure the movement remains completely non-violent and peaceful.
The Socialist Front’s pro-republican rally will proceed along eight different routes: Maitighar Mandala, Kupandol, Tripureshwor, Sundhara, New Road, Sohrakhutte, Shanti Batika, and Maiti Devi, culminating in a corner meeting at Bhrikutimandap.
Authorities have advised the public to avoid protest sites and use alternative routes for travel. CDO Tiwari emphasized, “We have made full security preparations, implemented an integrated security plan, and coordinated the mobilization of security personnel. To prevent any untoward incidents, alternative routes have been arranged for traffic management.”
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