Security Team of Nepal's Ex-King Gyanendra Downsized

PTI, KATHMANDU, MARCH 30, 2025 : The Nepal government has downsized the security team deployed for former king Gyanendra Shah, a day after pro-monarchy protests in parts of the Nepalese capital turned violent. The number of security personnel at Nirmal Niwas, the private residence of the ex-king, has been reduced from 25 to 16 after Friday's protests, during which protesters pelted stones, attacked the office of a political party, set vehicles on fire, and looted shops. Two persons, including a TV cameraman, were killed and 110 others injured in the clashes between security personnel and pro-monarchy protesters, who were demanding the reinstatement of a Hindu monarchy.

The government has also reshuffled the team of security personnel deployed for the ex-monarch, according to sources in the Home Ministry. Additionally, the government has increased vigilance on the activities of the former monarch, the sources said.

The Nepali Congress, the largest party in Parliament, stated on Thursday that former king Gyanendra should be held responsible for Friday's violent incidents. Over a dozen properties, including business complexes, restaurants, hospitals, and both private and government buildings, were also vandalized by protesters.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', a former prime minister and chairman of the opposition CPN-Maoist Centre, said that former king Gyanendra was behind all the activities of pro-monarchy and pro-Hindu campaigners around the country.

However, the pro-monarchy Rastriya Prajatantra Party has demanded the release of its two leaders—Dhawal Shumsher Rana and Ravindra Mishra—who were arrested following the protests. The party warned that it would take to the streets if the two were not released within 24 hours. The party also held the government responsible for the events that unfolded during their demonstration in Kathmandu on Friday.