Royalist Protests Morph Into Mayhem

Almost 17 years after its abolition, pro-monarchical forces have come to the streets with a vengeance. But their protests on Friday turned anarchist and violent at Tinkune and Koteshwor areas, forcing the government to clamp curfew in six places of the capital city. The anti-republican campaign was marked by death, arson and vandalism of private houses, public properties, and offices of political parties. Two persons, including a photo journalist, were killed in skirmishes and arsons. The unruly protest was organised to counter the rally organised by the republican parties on the same day. The pro-monarchical organisations risk losing their public support due to their bellicose showdown.