Mass Demonstration Unfolds in Nepal's Maitighar Mandala Following Journalist's Death

Synopsis

A mass protest erupted in Nepal's Maitighar Mandala on March 29 following the tragic death of Avenues TV journalist Suresh Rajak. He was reportedly burned alive during a pro-monarchy protest in Tinkune, prompting journalists to demand justice and accountability for this heinous act.

Key Takeaways

Tragic death of journalist Suresh Rajak.
Mass protests by journalists in Maitighar Mandala.
Calls for justice and accountability for Rajak's death.
Curfew lifted in Baneshwar-Tinkune area.
51 arrests linked to pro-monarchy violence.

Kathmandu, March 29 (NationPress) A surge of anger has swept through Nepal's media sector on Saturday after the tragic demise of Avenues TV journalist Suresh Rajak, who was allegedly burned alive during a violent pro-monarchy protest in Tinkune, Kathmandu. Journalists from all over the city have gathered at Nepal's Maitighar Mandala to organize a mass protest, demanding justice and accountability for this horrific act.

Eyewitness testimonies, including one from Kantipur Television journalist Ramkrishna Bhandari, detailed the tumultuous events. Bhandari recounted how protesters targeted media members, issuing threats of violence and destroying property.

"They were declaring that they would also assault the media, set fires, and leave no one unharmed," he narrated, illustrating the devastation of office equipment and the rising tension that led to Rajak's death.

Meanwhile, a curfew order, which limited movement, gatherings, and protests, was lifted in the Baneshwar-Tinkune area and surrounding regions on Saturday as the situation calmed.

So far, 51 individuals, primarily prominent pro-monarchy demonstrators, have been arrested, including senior vice-chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party Rabindra Mishra, General Secretary Dhawal Sumsher Rana, Swagat Nepal, Shepherd Limbu, and Santosh Tamang, along with other leaders, for allegedly inciting violence, according to local media.

Nepal's police have ramped up arrests following the pro-monarch protests that erupted in Tinkune, Kathmandu. Violence stemming from Friday's pro-monarchy demonstrations resulted in fatalities, property damage, and arson.

"Following the arson, vandalism, and deaths on Friday, public support for royalists has significantly waned. We anticipate deep schisms within various pro-Hindu and pro-monarchy factions as a result of Friday's violence. Moving forward, we will implement all necessary measures to control their activities," a Nepal Home Ministry official stated to The Kathmandu Post.

The curfew was first imposed by local authorities on Friday after two individuals lost their lives and 45 others were injured in violent confrontations between law enforcement and pro-monarchy protesters.

The demonstrators were advocating for the reinstatement of the abolished monarchy in Nepal, according to media reports.

Tensions escalated in Tinkune as individuals attempted to breach the security barricades. In retaliation, law enforcement deployed tear gas canisters to disperse crowds. Eventually, police resorted to gunfire to regain control, as reported by Nepali news outlet Annapurna Express.

Social media footage depicted protesters seizing police firearms and launching aggressive attacks. Reports indicate that the protest was spearheaded by the Nawaraj Subedi-led joint movement committee, with businessman Durga Prasai rallying supporters.