Thousands of supporters of Nepal's former king, Gyanendra Shah, gathered outside Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport on Friday to greet him and demand the restoration of the abolished monarchy. The crowd chanted slogans such as “Bring back the king” and “Restore constitutional monarchy” as Gyanendra waved from the sunroof of his car.
Hundreds of police officers in riot gear struggled to control the supporters crowding the main entrance, but the rally remained peaceful and no arrests were made. More supporters lined the route from the airport to the former king's private residence.
The demonstration comes ahead of crucial parliamentary elections next month. Pro-Gyanendra groups, which won about 5% of seats in the last election, are hoping to increase their representation. An estimated 10,000 supporters attended a similar rally last year, while another pro-royal rally turned violent, leaving two dead and many injured.
Gyanendra was forced to give up authoritarian rule after massive street protests in 2006, and the monarchy was abolished two years later. He has not commented on the calls for restoration, and despite growing support, his chances of returning to power remain slim as opposition from other political parties is significant.
