KATHMANDU: Preparations are underway for a grand rally in Kathmandu to welcome former King Gyanendra Shah at the Tribhuvan Airport, who is set to arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport this afternoon.

RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden is also scheduled to attend the rally. The party has assigned the responsibility of welcoming Chief Whip Gyanendra Shahi and Spokesperson Mohan Shrestha. However, RPP Spokesperson Mohan Kumar Shrestha has informed that Lingden will also go to welcome the former king.

RPP has said that supporters gathered in Gaushala and Tinkune areas will take out a rally from the airport to Nirmal Niwas.

Former King Gyanendra, who has been staying in Pokhara for some time and touring various districts of Gandaki Province, is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu this afternoon. On this occasion, royalist parties are planning to demonstrate their strength in favor of the king.

Security personnel have been put on ‘high alert’ in Kathmandu in view of the royalist demonstration. Security personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas and main intersections in Kathmandu, including the Narayanhiti Palace Museum and Tribhuvan International Airport, since this morning.

The government has deployed uniformed and plainclothes intelligence teams at intersections in Kathmandu since this morning, in preparation for mobilizing all four security agencies if necessary.