00:00Nepal is in turmoil, streets filled with anger, police and protesters clashing, a nation divided
00:22over its past and its future.
00:37On Friday, March 28th, violence erupted in Kathmandu as thousands of demonstrators took
00:44to the streets, demanding the return of Nepal's monarchy, a monarchy that was abolished in
00:522008.
00:54Supporters of former King Gyanendra Shah are calling for a constitutional monarchy, arguing
01:01that Nepal's democracy has failed.
01:05They believe that only the return of a king can bring stability back to the country.
01:12The demonstrations turned deadly.
01:15According to police reports, two people have lost their lives, one protester who was shot
01:22and a journalist who was caught in a building set on fire by demonstrators.
01:29At least 70 others, including police officers, were injured.
01:34In response, the government has imposed curfews in areas of Kathmandu and even deployed the
01:40army to regain control.
01:43Flights were briefly suspended as protesters moved toward the international airport.
01:51But Nepal's leadership is standing firm.
01:55Prime Minister K.P.
01:56Sharma Oli has rejected any calls to restore the monarchy, saying,
02:03Our constitution does not recognize kings.
02:07And no one should dream of reinstating monarchy.
02:13He even challenged former King Gyanendra Shah to contest elections if he wants to regain
02:18power.
02:20Despite the growing frustration, political experts believe the monarchy's return is unlikely.
02:27Nepal's constitution would require major amendments, and monarchist parties hold only
02:34a handful of seats in the parliament.
02:37Nepal's monarchy ruled for nearly 240 years, before being abolished in 2008.
02:45The turning point was the tragic royal massacre of 2001, when Crown Prince Dipendra killed
02:52most of his family, including King Birendra.
02:57His uncle, Gyanendra Shah, took over but was later forced to abdicate.
03:03Since then, Nepal has struggled with political instability, corruption and frequent changes.
03:11Many Nepalis now wonder, was abolishing the monarchy a mistake?
03:17As Nepal faces a political crossroads, the question remains, will the monarchy return
03:24or is Nepal destined to struggle in its democratic experiments?
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