The ruling UML and royalists set to hit the streets as braces to protest against Kathmandu rallies, security beefed

Kathmandu is working for two opposition rallies on Thursday, one under the leadership of ruling CPN-UML and the other has been marked by royalists as Republic Day as a nation.The Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-Kumar) has called for a cultural parade from Bharikutimandap to Ratnapark in the celebration of Republic Day.The rally is expected to attend the rally by party leaders, cadres, and artists showing cultural processions promoting the Republican system. The rally has been rooted through the place where the royalists will begin the indefinite protest starting today, calling for the restoration of the monarchy.Roylists and Hindu nationalist parties, including Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and RPP-Naple, have announced a protest against the Republic along with more than 45 alignment organizations.The main protest is being organized by the Joint People’s Movement Committee under the leadership of Navraj Subedi for the restoration of the monarchy. The committee has said that this protest will be translated as the queen’s pond near the iconic “Rapokhari” from Shanti Batika.Although both sides have promised peaceful rallies, stress has increased following a controversial statement by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who claimed that Kathmandu will be “under UML’s control” on Republic Day, which will inspire backlash from royalist leaders.Royalist leaders had announced that the protest would be peaceful, but in the light of the Prime Minister’s comments expressed concern over the possible state repression.To manage possible disturbance, authorities have prepared to deploy 4,500 security personnel in Kathmandu. Traffic disruption and public inconvenience in the main areas of the city are expected.In view of the possible conflict between the parties, the District Protection Committee of Kathmandu has set up different programs.Kathmandu Chief District Officer (CDO) Rishiram Tiwari coordinated with Rajendra Lingden, President of the Revtha Prajantra Party (RPP), who agreed to start a royalist event only after the UML’s program ended. Kathmandu Police Chief SSP Bishwa officer said that a security plan has been prepared in coordination with both sides.Lingden confirmed the CDO that the Morchaband program would start in the afternoon and preparations are being done accordingly. UML has also been directed to end its incident by directed time.