KATHMANDU, April 8: Authorities have deployed 2,000 police personnel and are using CCTV cameras and drones to monitor a protest organized by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) in Balkhu today. Security forces from Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, and the National Investigation Department have been mobilized to maintain order during the event.
The RPP had initially planned to stage the protest and mass gathering at Bhrikutimandap but shifted the venue to Balkhu after the local administration denied permission, citing security concerns.
Mohan Shrestha, head of RPP's publicity department and party spokesperson, said the rally will begin at 11 AM, followed by the mass gathering at 12 noon.
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"The Bagmati Province-level protest and mass gathering, originally planned for April 8 at Bhrikutimandap, will now take place in Balkhu," Shrestha said. "We had to change the venue after the administration refused permission at Bhrikutimandap."
To prepare for the protest, RPP held a central committee meeting on Monday at its central office in Dhumbarahi. The meeting emphasized the need for a peaceful and disciplined event.
Following the violent royalist protest led by Durga Prasai on March 28, RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden has instructed party members to maintain order throughout today's demonstration.
To facilitate traffic flow, traffic police have implemented diversions across the city. One diversion route runs through Khasi Bazar – Makalu – Kalanki Chowk – Bafal, while another diverts traffic from Balkhu Chowk through Kuleshwar and Kalimati Chowk to Teku. Vehicles are also being rerouted from Kirtipur through Sundarighat and Sanepa to Ekantakuna.
If necessary, police will enforce additional diversions from Tripureshwar through Balaju, Halchowk, and Naikap to Sitapaila and from Chobhar through Pharping and Nakkhu Dobato to Koteshwor.
