Nepal’s former King Gyanendra Shah arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday (March 9, 2025) amidst tight security, with pro-monarchy activists gathering at the airport to welcome him.
Upon landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport from Pokhara via a Simrik Air helicopter, Mr. Gyanendra was greeted by hundreds of loyalists, including leaders and members of the pro-monarchy Rastriya Prajatantra Party, chanting slogans in his support.
The supporters displayed placards with messages such as “We want our King back,” “Abolish federal republican system and reinstate the monarchy,” and “The King and the country are dearer than our life.”
After visiting religious sites across the country, the 77-year-old Mr. Gyanendra returned to Kathmandu from Pokhara, where he was welcomed by supporters riding motorbikes carrying his image and national flags along the route to the airport.
Riot police were stationed at the Narayanhity Palace Museum, the former royal palace, amid speculation that Mr. Gyanendra might enter the palace with his supporters. However, there were no incidents as the crowd accompanying Mr. Gyanendra proceeded to Nirmal Niwas, the former monarch’s private residence on the outskirts of Kathmandu.
A large number of security personnel were deployed from the airport to Nirmal Niwas to prevent any potential incidents.
Supporters of the King have been demonstrating in various parts of the country, including Kathmandu and Pokhara, in recent days, calling for the reinstatement of the monarchy abolished in 2008 after the People’s Movement.
Popular Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala, who is also the granddaughter of the first elected Prime Minister B.P. Koirala, urged all Nepalese citizens on social media to gather at the Kathmandu airport to welcome the former monarch.
Pro-monarchy activists have become more active since democracy day in February, following Mr. Gyanendra’s statement that “Time has come for us to assume responsibility to protect the country and bring about national unity.”
Published – March 10, 2025 03:56 am IST
