Twin Protests Paralyze Daily Life in Kathmandu Valley

Normal life in the Kathmandu Valley was thrown into disarray on Saturday as two simultaneous protests—by the Confederation of Nepalese Teachers (CNT) and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP)—triggered widespread traffic disruptions and commuter chaos.

Officegoers were among the hardest hit, struggling to navigate diverted routes and gridlocked streets. The CNT launched its demonstration at 9:00 AM, followed by the RPP’s protest at 12:00 noon. Both events were centered around the Maitighar to New Baneshwor corridor, forcing major traffic rerouting, according to Deepak Giri, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office.

The dual protests caused severe congestion across diverted roads, with key intersections such as Maitighar, Babarmahal, and New Baneshwor experiencing prolonged traffic jams. Authorities implemented restrictions around Bijuli Bazar Bridge, where the RPP had announced its intention to protest—despite the area being under a government prohibitory order.

A heavy deployment of security personnel has been mobilized in affected zones to maintain order, and fencing has been placed to prevent escalation or breach of restricted zones.

Teachers from across Nepal have been staging sit-ins in the capital for the past 19 days, demanding reforms in the education sector. The addition of the RPP’s protest, which calls for the reinstatement of the monarchy, has further intensified pressure on traffic management and public safety.

In response to the RPP’s actions, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a stern warning, expressing concern over the party’s decision to enter restricted areas and cautioning against any attempt to incite unrest or violate public order.

As the demonstrations continue, residents are left to deal with mounting delays and uncertainty on the streets of the capital.