Two killed, army deployed as pro-monarchists clash with cops in Nepal

Clashes broke out in Kathmandu on Friday between Nepalese security forces and pro-monarchy activists demanding the restoration of the monarchy and Hindu kingdom status. During the clash, protesters set fire to a business complex, a shopping mall, a political party headquarters, and a media house building, leaving over a dozen police officials injured. Thousands of monarchists, waving Nepal’s national flags and holding pictures of former King Gyanendra Shah, gathered in the Tinkune area, chanting slogans such as "Raja aau, desh bachau", "Down with the corrupt government," and "We want monarchy back," as they demanded the restoration of the monarchy in Nepal. The protesters were heard shouting slogans like "Come back king, save the country", "we want monarchy", and “vacate the royal palace for the king". Pro-monarchy activists claimed that nearly 4 lakh people gathered to welcome former King Gyanendra on March 9, while news agencies estimated the turnout to be around 10,000.