Thousands of demonstrators assembled outside Kathmandu's main airport on Friday, voicing fervent demands for the restoration of Nepal's monarchy and offering a warm welcome to former king Gyanendra Shah upon his return from a trip to eastern Nepal.
Massive Gathering at Tribhuvan International Airport
An estimated crowd of several thousand royalist supporters converged at Tribhuvan International Airport, creating a significant presence at the main entrance. The gathering was notably peaceful, with no arrests reported by authorities, despite the large numbers and emotional displays of loyalty.
Emotional Scenes as Former King Arrives
Gyanendra Shah acknowledged the cheering crowd by waving from the sunroof of his vehicle as he departed the airport. Hundreds of police officers in full riot gear were deployed to manage the assembly and maintain order, though their presence did not dampen the demonstrators' enthusiasm.
Chants of "Bring back the king. We love our king more than our own selves. Restore constitutional monarchy" echoed through the area, reflecting deep-seated monarchist sentiments among the participants. Additional supporters lined the route from the airport to the former king's private residence, extending the show of support across Kathmandu.
Historical Context of Monarchy's Abolition
The monarchy was formally abolished in 2008, following massive street protests in 2006 that forced Gyanendra to relinquish his authoritarian rule. The parliament subsequently voted to end the institution, and Gyanendra left the Royal Palace to live as a commoner, marking a significant shift in Nepal's political landscape.
Growing but Limited Support for Royal Return
Despite the visible turnout, analysts note that support for restoring the monarchy remains limited compared to mainstream political parties that oppose the idea. Gyanendra has not publicly commented on the recent calls for his return to power, maintaining a low profile on the issue.
This rally follows a similar event last year that drew approximately 10,000 supporters to the airport, though another pro-royal gathering turned violent, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The current demonstration's peaceful nature contrasts with those earlier incidents, suggesting a more organized approach by monarchist groups.
Political Implications Ahead of Elections
The show of support occurs just weeks before crucial parliamentary elections scheduled for next month. Pro-Gyanendra factions, which secured about 5% of seats in the previous election, are actively campaigning to increase their representation and push the monarchy restoration agenda onto the national stage.
While the rally demonstrates persistent monarchist sentiment in certain segments of Nepalese society, the former king's immediate return to power appears unlikely due to the stronger influence of opposing political forces. The event nonetheless highlights ongoing political divisions and the complex legacy of Nepal's royal history as the nation approaches another electoral milestone.
