Two killed in Kathmandu rally demanding return of Nepal monarchy

Dozens of royalists injured in clashes with police fuelled by political instability and economic discontent

Two people have been killed and dozens injured after protests in Kathmandu calling for the restoration of Nepal’s monarchy ended in clashes with police.

Thousands of protesters rallied in Nepal’s capital on Friday to demand a return to the Hindu monarchy, which was abolished in 2008, and the re-establishment of the country as a Hindu rather than secular state. Pro-democracy and republican groups held a counter-protest that passed peacefully.