KATHMANDU: Supporters of former King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah gathered at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to welcome him.

The general public as well as pro-monarchy groups and supporters assembled outside the TIA gate to receive the former king, who arrived from Jhapa on a helicopter.

Although the District Administration Office of Kathmandu had issued a prohibitory order around the airport area and tightened security arrangements, the former monarch’s supporters and well-wishers still gathered there.

They also chanted slogans in favor of former king Gyanendra, demanding the restoration of monarchy in Nepal.

Security was beefed up in the area surrounding TIA.

Meanwhile, supporters of businessman Durga Prasai, who has been openly advocating the restoration of monarchy and Hindu state in Nepal, gathered at the airport to welcome former King Shah.

The former monarch also made his way through the crowd, shaking hands with supporters and accepting scarves and garlands, before reaching Nirmal Niwas, his private residence in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu.

After hearing that former King Shah would be arriving from Jhapa, his supporters had been ready since early morning to welcome him. A large number of security personnel were also deployed from early morning for security.

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