May 26, Kathmandu: Royalists have announced plans to launch an indefinite protest in Kathmandu starting May 29 (Jestha 15). Despite their declared intention to demonstrate in the capital, they have yet to request permission from the administration.
Rajendra Lingden, Chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has stated that the program starting on Jestha 15 is not merely a protest but a “rebellion,” and that seeking permission for a rebellion is unnecessary. However, according to high-level government sources, the government is preparing not to allocate any space for royalist demonstrations.
“They are talking about overthrowing the current system through protests. It’s not appropriate to provide space for demonstrations aimed at toppling the system,” a senior government official told Onlinekhabar. “We have instructed authorities not to designate any location for protests intended to overturn the constitutional order.”
Anticipating this stance from the government, royalists have not submitted any formal request for demonstration space. Security agencies have indicated they will respond firmly to any disruptive protests held without permission or designated space. Security experts warn that if unauthorized and anarchic protests take place with the aim of overthrowing the system, the situation could escalate to physical clashes.
Adding to the tensions, recent remarks by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli have also contributed to heightened security concerns surrounding May 28.
Speaking at a press briefing on May 22 at Nepal Police Headquarters, SSP Shekhar Khanal, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Police Office in Ranipokhari, stated, “Security measures are in place targeting the planned May 28 royalist protests. We will not allow any harm to people or property.”
He added that police are on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents and have already developed and implemented a security strategy accordingly.
Khanal mentioned that the police have assessed the “security threat” posed by the protest campaign expected to be centered in Kathmandu beginning on Jestha 15.
Similarly, SSP Ramesh Thapa, central spokesperson for Nepal Police, had previously said that security preparations had been made as required. Security agencies had reportedly finalized their preparations about a week ago, with strategic plans in place. However, the current situation has left police uncertain, as the upcoming May 28 protest continues to pose serious security concerns.
The involvement of the Armed Police Force (APF) is also expected, though further details have not been disclosed.
