The Nepal Army was deployed, and a curfew was imposed in parts of Kathmandu on Friday after violent clashes between police and supporters of former King Gyanendra left two people dead, including a TV cameraman, and injured over a dozen others. Gyanendra’s supporters, demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy abolished in 2008, held protests that escalated into confrontations with the police, who responded with water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. Meanwhile, a separate rally organised by the Left Front, featuring former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Madhav Kumar Nepal, remained peaceful. However, the leaders warned Gyanendra that his efforts to reclaim the throne could have serious consequences.

The Left Front, which is not part of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s government, blamed him for the rise of pro-monarchy forces due to his poor governance. A pro-monarchy rally started in the Tinkune area around 11:30 am, but police intervened when participants attempted to march toward Parliament House, where restrictions were in place.

Violence broke out when police fired tear gas at the stage where 87-year-old Nabaraj Subedi, the convener of the pro-monarchy movement, and other senior leaders were seated. Subedi was injured, prompting supporters to rush to his aid.

Meanwhile, a fire erupted in a house in the nearby Gairidhara area, where security forces had taken position. Among the two people who lost their lives was cameraman Suresh Rajak, who was covering the rally for Avenues Television. According to the Home Ministry, at least 15 people sustained injuries. The government has held Durga Prasai, the rally’s designated commander, responsible for the violence and has issued a detention warrant against him.

According to PTI, the Kathmandu district administration has imposed a curfew in areas between the Shantinagar Bridge and the Manohara River Bridge, including Koteshwor, Tinkune, the airport area, Baneshwor Chowk, and Gaushala. Officials stated that travellers with valid tickets were permitted to reach the airport. Meanwhile, public gatherings, demonstrations, meetings, and sit-ins have been banned during the curfew period.