KATHMANDU: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden has warned of a sweeping escalation in royalist protests following the arrest of RPP-Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa during Sunday’s pro-monarchy rally in Kathmandu.

Speaking at Narayanchaur, Lingden declared that a “decisive phase” of the anti-republic movement would begin Monday, vowing to mobilize supporters across the country if Thapa was not released immediately.

“Bring Kamal Thapa here,” Lingden demanded, addressing the government, the Home Minister, and Nepal Police. “If not, we will rise from fifty places, not just one.”

He threatened a total shutdown of the Kathmandu Valley starting Monday and warned that the time for isolated protests was over.

“The monarchy won’t return through fragmented efforts—it’ll come through a national uprising,” he declared.

Lingden also challenged the ruling parties directly, saying, “To the republicans and the Prime Minister—if you’re wondering how a dethroned monarchy can return, we’ll show you.”