An estimated 10,000 supporters of Gyanendra Shah blocked the main entrance to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport as he arrived from a tour of western Nepal.
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Thousands of supporters gathered in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu on Sunday to welcome former King Gyanendra Shah and demand the restoration of the monarchy and the reinstatement of Hinduism as the state religion.
An estimated 10,000 supporters blocked the main entrance to Tribhuvan International Airport as Gyanendra arrived from a tour of western Nepal. Chants of “Vacate the royal palace for the king,” “Come back king, save the country,” and “We want monarchy” echoed through the crowd, forcing passengers to walk to and from the airport.
Hundreds of riot police prevented protesters from entering the airport, and the demonstration remained peaceful.
Gyanendra was forced to relinquish his authoritarian rule in 2006 following massive street protests, and the monarchy was officially abolished in 2008 when he left the Royal Palace to live as a commoner. However, many Nepalis have grown disillusioned with the republic, citing political instability, a struggling economy, and widespread corruption. Since the monarchy’s abolition, Nepal has seen 13 different governments.
Rally participants said they were hoping for a change in the political system to stop the country from further deteriorating.
“We are here to