KATHMANDU: The ruling CPN-UML has announced plans to celebrate Republic Day on Thursday (May 29) with a cultural procession and rally in the Bhadrakali-Bhrikutimandap area of Kathmandu.

Meanwhile, the pro-monarchy Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and other royalist groups have declared a protest against the current republican system in the Ratnapark area on the same day.

According to security sources, a detailed security plan has been drawn up and is being implemented for the day.

The CPN-UML intends to organize a cultural rally covering areas like Bhrikutimandap, Sundhara, Ratnapark, and Tundikhel, and security arrangements have been made accordingly.

However, the administration has not received any formal notification regarding the protest by the pro-monarchy groups.

“We are proceeding according to a security plan,” said a police officer. “The Government of Nepal is also organizing an official Republic Day event. The CPN-UML’s rally is mainly centered around Bhrikutimandap. We have not received official information about any opposing protests,” he added.

He emphasized that preparations are underway to ensure all events remain peaceful.

Spokesperson for Nepal Police, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramesh Thapa, said the police are responsible for maintaining order during Republic Day programs throughout Kathmandu Valley and the rest of the country.

He stated that special arrangements are being made to prevent any untoward incidents or violations of the law during the political events scheduled in Kathmandu on Thursday.