In Nepal thousand of royalist supporters turned out on Sunday to greet former King Gyanendra Shah and call for the restoration of the monarchy and Hinduism as the state religion.
About 10,000 protesters lined up the major entrance of Tribhuvan International Airport while Gyanendra was returning from a western Nepalese tour. They cried slogans like “Vacate the royal palace for the king,” “Come back king, save the country,” and “We want monarchy” that disrupted flights and compelled visitors to take routes to and from the airport.
In spite of the mass turnout, the protest was peaceful as riot police numbering hundreds barricaded demonstrators from entering the airport compound.
Gyanendra was forced to resign in 2006 after widespread protests against his monarchy, and the monarchy was officially ended in 2008. Yet increasing discontent with Nepal’s political system characterized by instability, economic hardship, and corruption has caused some citizens to rethink the monarchy. The nation has experienced 13 various governments since the end of the monarchy.
Supporters at the rally expressed dismay at Nepal’s declining state. “We are firmly behind the king and in favor of his reinstatement,” declared 72-year-old Thir Bahadur Bhandari. Others, such as 50-year-old carpenter Kulraj Shrestha, conceded to having changed their minds, having originally backed the end of the monarchy in 2006. “I was mistaken. Corruption has only increased, and politicians are letting the country down,” Shrestha declared.
Gyanendra has so far remained silent on the demands for his comeback. Although support for the ex-monarch is on the increase, chances of him regaining power are slim.
