KATHMANDU: Kathmandu’s District Administration Office has declared the area surrounding Narayanhiti Palace a restricted zone.

Chief District Officer (CDO) Rishiram Tiwari issued an order declaring a prohibition on public gatherings and movement from Kesharmahal Chowk to the southern gate of the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, extending through Jai Nepal Hall area and via the Mahendra Statue to the museum’s southern entrance.

This restriction comes at a time when royalist groups have launched protests demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy and the declaration of Nepal as a Hindu state.

Authorities cite security concerns and the need to maintain public order as the reason for imposing the restriction in this politically sensitive area.