Security has been heightened in Kathmandu as the four-party Socialist Front and royalist groups plan simultaneous demonstrations on Friday. To prevent clashes, police have deployed additional forces—3,500 Nepal Police and 2,000 Armed Police personnel—alongside regular patrols.
The District Security Committee has assigned separate venues and routes: the Socialist Front will gather at Bhrikuti Mandap's Exhibition Road, while royalists will assemble at Tinkune. Each group will follow distinct paths to avoid confrontation. Police escorts will guide processions, and traffic diversions are planned to prevent congestion.
The Socialist Front's rallies will begin from seven locations in Kathmandu and one in Lalitpur, converging at the main venue. Meanwhile, royalist processions will start from various points in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur, gathering at Ring Road before heading to Tinkune.
Both events are scheduled for noon, with assurances from organizers to maintain peace. Senior officers will monitor security from a command center at Bhadrakali, deploying additional forces as needed. Restrictions include bans on carrying sticks, entering prohibited zones, or deviating from assigned routes.
The royalist rally, led by Durga Prasai, will advocate for monarchy restoration, while the Socialist Front will protest in defense of republicanism. Tensions rose after royalists recently escorted former King Gyanendra to Nirmal Niwas in a grand procession, sparking backlash from political parties.
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