Written by Yubaraj Ghimire Kathmandu | May 30, 2025 04:58 IST 2 min readA pro-monarchy rally in Kathmandu on Thursday. APNepal observed its 18th Republic Day on Thursday as opposing political groups organised demonstrations for and against the federal democratic republic system established in 2008.The government mobilised around 6,000 security personnel to prevent possible clashes between the ruling CPN-UML and pro-monarchist groups led by Rastriya Prajatantra Party in the heart of the city.PM Oli, at the Republic Day celebrations in Bhrikuti Mandap, said the republic was an expression of the will of the people, and a ‘Royal call’ will have no effect against it. President Ram Chandra Poudel, taking cognisance of the organised anger of the people, called for a change of conduct.On the other hand, pro-monarchists led by the RPP organised a protest carrying the banners of former King Gyanendra’s picture. RPP chair Rajendra Lingden and senior party leaders, including Pashupati Shumsher Rana, Kamal Thapa and Prakash Chandra Lohani, participated in the protests.May 29 marks the historic announcement of the federal democratic republic in Nepal, made by the first meeting of the Parliament on Jestha 15, 2065 BS (May 28, 2008), which ended the 240-year-old monarchy. Since then, Jestha 15 has been observed annually as Republic Day across the country.A high-security alert was sounded on Thursday to prevent any untoward incidents. Special security has been provided to key areas such as the Tribhuvan International Airport, Parliament, the Signdurbar Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s residence at Baluwatar on the occasion.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Kathmandu