Nepal’s PM Oli accuses former king of attempting to disrupt social harmony

Nepal's PM accuses former king of inciting violence in pro-monarchy protests, leading to clashes and arrests.

Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Oli said on Monday (March 31, 2025) that violence erupted in the pro-monarchy protests in Kathmandu as former king Gyanendra Shah attempted to disrupt social harmony and create social division.

Speaking in the House of Representatives (HoR), Mr. Oli accused the former king of aligning with individuals refusing to repay bank loans and stirring social unrest for his ambitions.

Mr. Oli said the Tinkune area incident occurred because of these actions of the former king, My Republica reported.

Two persons, including a TV cameraman, were killed and 110 others injured in the clashes between security personnel and protesters, who were demanding the reinstatement of the Hindu monarch.

So far, 110 people have been arrested in connection with the violent protests.

“The alleged organisers attempted to drive a vehicle over the police and breached the restricted area. There were terrorist activities like setting fire to the international airport and the oil corporation's depot,” Mr. Oli said.

“Setting fire to someone's house, looting a shopping mall, and setting fire to a herbal company cannot be considered political activities,” he said, adding those involved in the violent acts would not be spared.