KATHMANDU, MARCH 28
Officials have reported that a television journalist who went to cover the protests in Tinkune, Kathmandu, has died. This brings the total number of people killed during today's protests to two.
According to officials, a television journalist who arrived earlier to film a house that was allegedly set on fire by protesters died because he could not be rescued in time.
"When the fire department arrived, it was too late to extinguish the fire. That is why the rescue could not take place," Nepal Police spokesperson Dinesh Acharya told THT.
Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs previously stated that one protester had died after being shot by police. According to police, four royalist protesters have been arrested so far.
The Ministry of Home Affairs held a press conference to announce the death of Sabin Maharjan, 29, a resident of Kirtipur-4. The Ministry has not disclosed the cause of his death.
A spokesperson for the Nepal Police said 15 civilians and some security personnel were injured during the protest. Furthermore, 50 police and 15 APF personnels sustained injuries during clashes.
During the Tinkune protests, police used tear gas before firing rubber bullets and opening fire into the air. Social media users shared footage of protesters carrying police guns and carrying out deadly attacks.
As the situation worsened, a curfew was imposed in the Tinkune area. The Tinkune protest turned violent resulting in arson, vandalism, and looting during clashes between pro-monarchy protesters and security forces. The protesters set ablaze and vandalised the political parties' office, as well as several houses.
The Kathmandu District Administration Office decided to take this action to maintain control of the situation. The Nepali army was deployed to ensure the effectiveness of curfew.
"Curfew orders have been issued in Tinkune, Sinamangal, and Koteshwor areas to bring the situation under control," reads the notice issued by the Kathmandu DAO.
Videos on social media and online media also showed police in the area announcing the impending curfew and urging residents to return home safely.
The District Administration Office issued a notice imposing a curfew from 4:25 pm to 10 pm in accordance with the Local Administration Act, 2028 6(A). The curfew was later extended till 7:00 am tomorrow.
Protesters have also vandalised several private and public properties and looted shops, including Bhatbhateni supermarkets and Koteshwor. Previously, a fire broke out in a private building in Tinkune, Kathmandu, where a royalist demonstration and gathering took place. The fire began during clashes between police and protesters.
There have also been reports that protesters set the house ablaze. However, it has not been officially confirmed.
Protesters even pelted stones at the fire engine, which was forced to pull back. The police then used tear gas before firing into the air. The clashes injured both police officers and protesters.
Protesters also set ablaze a taxi near the CPN-UML office and two vehicles near the CCRC College near the Balkumari Bridge. The royalist protesters who were chased out of Tinkune, started vandalising and setting fires across the valley.
Protesters also set ablaze the CPN-MC office in Paris Danda in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the main opposition party's leader, claimed that monarchists were attempting to raise their heads when Republican parties failed to meet public expectations.
Dahal stressed the importance of self-introspection. "This is our failure because those relegated in history have spoken out. We are taking a serious look at ourselves, learning from our mistakes, and fighting for the people, the people."
He warned against trying to profit from the generosity of Nepali citizens and politicians. He warned former King Gyanendra Shah that he was now suffering the consequences of his previous mistakes and should not repeat them.
He also stated that another revolution was required to completely eliminate feudal autocracy and crony capitalism.
He claimed that the Republicans had made mistakes that others had taken advantage of and that they would now come clean and lead a new revolution. He also chastised royalist protesters for causing chaos and setting fires in Tinkune.
Meanwhile, police arrested Rastriya Prajatantra Party leaders Rabindra Mishra and Dhawal Shamsher Rana on charges of inciting violence during a pro-monarchy protest in Kathmandu today. Rana is also a sitting RPP member. Mishra and Rana were accused of making incendiary speeches during protests today.
Police placed royalist Nabaraj Subedi under house arrest. Monarchists had recently named Subedi as the coordinator for the pro-monarchy movement. Police also arrested monarchist Swagat Nepal, who is also a lawyer.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held an emergency Cabinet meeting late in the evening.
The meeting instructed the Home Ministry to investigate the incidents of violence committed by pro-monarchy protesters today and to take action against those responsible for the violence, according to government Spokesperson and Minister of Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung.
The government wished for the speedy recovery of those injured during today's protests. Minister Gurung said that the Ministry of Health and Population would manage the treatment cost of those injured during the protest.
