Nepal on Wednesday observed the birth a🍒nniversary of Nepal's first King Pritwi Narayan Shah, considered🃏 to be the unifier of the country.
The birth anniversary of Nepal's first King, Prithwi Narayan Shah, who founded the Nepal's Shah dynasty, is observed as the National Unity Day. The monarchy in Nepal was abolished in 2008 when Gyanendra, the last king, stepped down and paved pay for democratic republic.
Nepal on Wednesday observed the birth a🍒nniversary of Nepal's first King Pritwi Narayan Shah, considered🃏 to be the unifier of the country.
The birth anniversary of Shah, who founded the Nepal's Shah dynasty, is observed as the National Unity Day. The monarc✤hy in Nepal was abolished in 2008 when Gyanendra, the last king, stepped down and paved pay for democratic republic.
Thoཧusands of supporters of the former Nepali Royal Family on Wednesd🦩ay held a rally for the restoration of monarchy in Nepal.
There are still many supporters who seek to bring the monarchy back and rally every year on the birth anniversary of Prithvi Narayan. Some previous rallies ha꧋ve turned violent with clashes between demonstrators and police. However, the Wednesday's rally was peaceful and police in riot gear kept a close watc𝓀h on the event that included participants waving flags, playing music, and chanting slogans to praise the monarchy.
Nepal's new government led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" declared Wednesday a public holiday to mark Prithvi Narayan's birthday. Ironically, Prachanda is the Maoist leader who led the Maoist insurgents in the Nepali Civil War during 1996-2006 which resul🌼ted in the overthrow of the monarchy. In yet another case of irony, Prachanda's ruling coalition includes Rastriya Prajatantra Party, a monarchist party.
Gyanendra became the king after his elder brighter Birendra was assassinated in a palace massacre in 2001 but remained unpopular. Political parties teamed up with the Maoist insurgents to organise protests forcing him to give u♛p power in 2006.
Two years later, Parliament voted to abolish the monarchy. Gyanendra, 75, rema💧ins a common citizen and is not politically active.
The protesters welcomed the govern💙ment's declaration of a public holiday and allowing them t🐭o hold the rally.
“The monarchy needs to return to Nepal. We are seeking a ceremonial king and we are fi♎ne with an executive p꧃rime minister but need a ceremonial king,” said Ram Prasad Upreti, a retired medical doctor.
(With AP inputs)