Pro-Monarchy Group Calls for Gathering at Kathmandu Airport Despite Prohibition Order

Kathmandu. Despite the Kathmandu District Administration Office issuing a prohibitory order (curfew) in the areas surrounding Tribhuvan International Airport, supporters of the King and the monarchy have not ceased calling for people to gather in that area on Falgun 1 to welcome the former King.

The Kathmandu District Administration Office issued a notice on Thursday prohibiting any rallies, processions, or large gatherings in the airport and surrounding areas. The very next day after the administration issued this notice, today, Thursday, the United People's Movement Committee led by Navaraj Subedi appealed to citizens to participate in welcoming former King Gyanendra Shah at Tribhuvan International Airport on Falgun 1.

“There is a general consensus at the citizen level that to save and build the nation, the politics of prohibition must end. Fundamentally, there is a consensus that without the monarchy, the symbol of national unity, the permanent solution sought by the country and the people cannot be achieved,” stated the press release issued by Subedi. “In this context, I heartily appeal to all citizens who love the nation and desire peace and order to reach Tribhuvan Airport by 12 PM tomorrow, Falgun 1, and participate in the grand welcome for King Gyanendra, who is arriving in the capital from Jhapa.”

Previously, in Chaitra 2081, the committee led by Subedi had organized a pro-King event at Tinkune, where shots were fired. Ordinary citizens are beginning to fear clashes if royalists demonstrate around the airport on Falgun 1, defying the administration's directive.