Kathmandu braces for Republic Day showdown

CPN-UML and royalist groups have planned parallel rallies. Security agencies on high alert to prevent clashes.

Security agencies have stepped up vigilance across the Kathmandu Valley since Tuesday with the ruling CPN-UML and supporters of Hindu kingdom planning rallies in the capital on Thursday. But security officials fear the parallel demonstrations could lead to clashes and thus pose a security risk. In response, the government is set to deploy large numbers of security personnel across the city on Thursday.