KATHMANDU: UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has called on the state to support those affected by the violence, vandalism, and looting carried out in the name of a protest by former king supporters on Friday.
In a statement on social media, Pokharel demanded justice for those harmed by the criminal acts and emphasized that both the perpetrators and those who incited the violence should be held accountable. He also extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Comparing the two public demonstrations held on Friday, Pokharel claimed that the Socialist Front’s gathering had a significantly larger turnout than the royalist protest. He described the Socialist Front’s program as peaceful and dignified, whereas the former king’s supporters resorted to chaos, vengeance, and destruction.
“Those who claim to offer an alternative political system should be able to convey their message through a movement. The royalist supporters failed in this. Instead, their actions have allowed the younger generation—who never experienced the monarchy’s tyranny—to understand its nature,” Pokharel wrote.
He further stressed that Nepali society must reaffirm that it cannot be influenced by vested interests, revenge, or malice.
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