Kathmandu/New Delhi: Why were people, demanding the restoration of monarchy in Nepal, holding posters with Yogi Adityanath’s image along with former King Gyanendra’s?
No, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has nothing to do with the demand for restoration of monarchy in Nepal.
He just happens to be the mahant of the Gorakhnath Math. And the Gorkhas are followers of Baba Gorakhnath, hence the name ‘Gorkha’.
Curfew had to be imposed in Nepal’s capital city Kathmandu on Friday after those demanding the return of monarchy to the country vandalised property and clashed with security forces, resulting in injuries to several people.
India, already concerned with the deteriorating law and order situations in neighbouring Bangladesh and Myanmar, is keeping close watch on the developments in Nepal. As it is, Nepal PM K P Sharma Oli’s bonhomie with China has got New Delhi a bit worried. So has the fall in the number of recruits from Nepal in the Gorkha Rifles, after the Agniveer scheme came into force.
Trouble started on Friday after pro-monarchy supporters broke through barricades and set fire to a house in the Tinkune area of Kathmandu. Security forces reacted by using water cannons, tear gas and blank rounds. Several protesters were rounded up as they tried to move towards New Baneshwor, a restricted area. The protestors were from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party and other pro-monarchy groups.
By then, anti-monarchy groups also brought out a rally, leading to more tension. Finally, a curfew was imposed.
The build-up to all this was King Gyanendra’s return from a religious tour. On February 19, observed as Democracy Day, the former monarch sent out a video message, seeking public support. On March 9, pro-monarchy supporters brought out a procession, holding aloft posters with King Gyanendra’s and Yogi Adityanath’s images.
“Raja aau desh bachau (May the King come to save the Country)”, “Down with corrupt government”, and “We want monarchy back”, they chanted. The anti-monarchy supporters also brought out their own procession. “Down with Corruption” seemed to be a common slogan for both groups.
The 240-years-old Hindu monarchy in Nepal was abolished through an act of the country’s parliament in 2008. The country then turned into a secular, federal and democratic nation. But, not all were happy with this.
