Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday said that those involved in riots during Friday’s pro-monarchy protest at Tinkune in Kathmandu would face legal consequences.

Addressing a meeting of the House of Representatives on Monday, Oli warned that even former king Gyanendra Shah would not be spared if found complicit in the March 28 violence, which resulted in two fatalities and significant property damage, including vandalism and arson at multiple buildings. The head of the government subsequently reaffirmed it while addressing a National Assembly meeting.

Oli addressed the parliament after opposition parties demanded his explanation on the dismissal of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising. After the parliament was obstructed for four consecutive days, Oli was obliged to respond.

After seeking clarifications from Ghising multiple times, the government dismissed him on March 23 and replaced him with Hitendra Dev Shakya. Ghising’s four-year term was set to expire on August 9. Oli argued that debate on the issue in Parliament would be inappropriate as it is now sub judice in the Supreme Court.

Despite being present to address Ghising’s dismissal, the primary focus of Oli’s speech was the March 28 protest organised by pro-monarchists.

The prime minister accused former king Shah of inciting protesters through a video statement. “Shouldn’t those who aspire to reclaim the throne publicly state their position on the protest and its outcomes?” Oli questioned.

On February 18, on the eve of Democracy Day, Shah released a video urging citizens to support him if they wished to secure the nation’s future.

“He [ex-king] will not be granted impunity,” Oli said in Parliament. “Those attempting to overthrow the current system and reinstate the monarchy must clarify their stance on the events of March 28.”

Oli further stated that investigations into the riots were ongoing, with the Ministry of Home Affairs examining the fatalities, destruction of property, and arson. He assured Parliament that a detailed report would be presented soon.

Oli described acts such as setting houses on fire and unleashing terror under the pretext of pro-monarchy demonstrations as unforgivable.

“The perpetrators of these horrific acts must face stringent legal action,” Oli said.

Oli’s speech triggered protests in Parliament from lawmakers of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), which advocates for the restoration of Nepal as a Hindu kingdom.

RPP chair Rajendra Lingden accused republican parties of fostering corruption since the monarchy’s abolition in 2008.

Speaking in the House meeting after the prime minister’s address, Lingden warned against underestimating the power of youth, stating that if the people wished, the republican system could be overturned.

Lingden also questioned the government’s efficiency in handling the situation during the protest. “Were only protesters responsible for the riots?” he said. “Was it not the government’s duty to take the situation under control?”

He further alleged that security forces used expired tear gas from rooftops, exacerbating tensions. Additionally, he called for the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the incident at Tinkune.

Nepali Congress General Secretary Bishwa Parkash Sharma acknowledged the people’s frustration about the government’s failure in delivery. That, however, does not indicate at all that people desire to reinstate the monarchy, Sharma said.

Sharma argued that former king Shah lacked the character to serve as a constitutional monarch.

He asked several questions to the pro-monarchy groups advocating for the re-establishment of monarchy.

“Consider this—when he is an ordinary citizen, his conduct and behaviour are questionable,” Sharma said. “Imagine what the situation would be if he were still on the throne.”

Earlier, an all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Oli and a CPN-UML secretariat meeting on Sunday advised the government to take action against the former king for allegedly orchestrating the riots in Kathmandu.