With the de facto house arrest of Navaraj Subedi, the coordinator of the joint movement committee for restoration of monarchy, cultural scholar Jagman Gurung has assumed leadership. Following the violent escalation of the royalist movement in Kathmandu’s Tinkune on March 28, Subedi sent a written letter on Sunday, stating that Gurung would now lead the “United People’s Movement for the Restoration of the Monarchy.”
Meanwhile, movement commander Durga Prasai remains on the run. In an interview with Onlinekhabar, Jagman Gurung spoke about the unfolding developments.
Q: After Navaraj Subedi was placed under house arrest, you were appointed coordinator of the royalist movement committee. Is that correct?
I received a letter regarding it, but discussions are still pending. I can’t give my consent without clarity. I am open to the idea, but I suggested holding a meeting first to deliberate on the matter.
Q: So, who is leading the movement now?
Rather than talking about leadership, I can confirm that I have received the letter. I haven’t explicitly accepted or rejected it. As of now, Navaraj Subedi is still the coordinator. Once he is released from house arrest, he will resume his role. In the meantime, I have asked to discuss the course of action in a committee meeting.
Q: Who are the members of this committee?
The committee consists of three members: Rabindra Mishra, Dhawal Shamsher Rana, and Swagat Nepal, who were arrested. I heard Nepal was recently released. Navaraj Subedi remains under house arrest. Additionally, advisors like Prakash Chandra Lohani, Hari Bahadur Basnet, and Keshar Bahadur Bista are also involved.
We will convene a meeting soon to make a decision. During a press conference at the Nepal Academic Forum, I had stated, “Even if the movement led by Navaraj Subedi is at risk of being dismantled, I won’t let it happen.” So, while I haven’t rejected the proposal to take over as coordinator, I have asked for discussions first.
Q: Why did Friday’s protest turn violent?
We didn’t instigate the violence. We were preparing for civil disobedience on stage when the government deployed tear gas. After that, things escalated on the ground. The government deliberately encouraged destructive activities by infiltrating the movement to provoke violence. It was a premeditated strategy to sabotage a peaceful protest. The stone-pelting, attacks on Madhav Nepal’s office, and vandalism at Bhatbhateni and Jadibuti were all carried out by their agents.
Q: So you’re saying all of them were government operatives? Are you refusing to take responsibility?
Why should we take responsibility for something we didn’t do? The government should be held accountable.
Q: Are you claiming that the vandalism at Jadibuti and Bhatbhateni was done by government forces?
At Jadibuti, police blocked our supporters coming from Bhaktapur. They got frustrated and reacted by vandalising. Otherwise, our genuine supporters wouldn’t do such things.
Q: Why would the government damage its own property?
Why wouldn’t they? This government was born out of destruction—burning houses, looting banks, and hijacking planes.
Q: You once praised KP Sharma Oli as an intellectual with exceptional abilities. Why have you now abandoned him in favour of the former king?
Even then, I told KP Oli, “I am your confidant, but I am not an UML party member.” Among the current prime ministers, he is relatively more knowledgeable. However, the country is now in danger.
Didn’t you hear what former Indian ambassador Ranjit Rae said on TV on January 10? He admitted that India orchestrated the removal of Nepal’s monarchy and Hindu statehood. Trump had barely been in office for a few months when the US helped eliminate Nepal’s monarchy. Nepal’s king had resisted the activities of the Indian intelligence agency RAW. That’s why the monarchy was removed. If someone could resist foreign interference in Nepal, it was the king. That’s why I now support monarchy and religion.
Q: But the former king has been linked to numerous scandals. You must be aware of that?
Every human makes mistakes. No one is infallible except God. Some accusations may be baseless. Not all allegations hold up in court. Even now, new claims are being made. We must let the law decide.
Q: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office has fined the committee for littering after your protest. Will you pay the fine?
The United People’s Movement for the Restoration of the Monarchy will pay, not Gyanendra. If the Maoists litter, will they fine Mao Zedong? If UML litters, will they fine Karl Marx or Lenin? Just because a program was held in the king’s name doesn’t mean he should be fined. People need to understand that.
Q: Have you spoken to KP Oli recently?
No, not recently.
Q: Today (Sunday) in Parliament, RPP Chairperson Rajendra Lingden spoke in favour of the king. But he hasn’t joined the movement, has he?
Rajendra Lingden is gradually moving towards the movement. Just wait and see.
Q: You’ve worked with different political factions in the past. Why have you now sided with the monarchy?
I worked at Nepal Academy during Sher Bahadur Deuba’s tenure as Prime Minister, but that didn’t make me a Congress member. I was Vice-Chancellor during KP Oli’s tenure, but that didn’t make me an UML member. I chaired the concept committee for Pashupati Hindu University under Prachanda’s premiership, but that didn’t make me a Maoist. I am an academic; different parties have recognised my expertise.
Q: Why do you think Nepal needs a monarchy now?
The US has been behind Nepal’s instability. Trump revealed that billions were spent on Nepal under four different programs. Ranjit Rae confirmed foreign interference.
Q: But Ranjit Rae is a retired diplomat. Why are you giving so much weight to his words?
It’s not just him—others have said the same. Communists used to criticise Indian expansionism and American imperialism. If someone can truly protect Nepal, it’s the king. That’s why I support this cause.
Q: Why appoint a controversial figure like Durga Prasai as commander?
That wasn’t my decision. I don’t know his entire past. But a movement can’t be composed only of scholars and priests—it needs all kinds of people, even spirits and supernatural forces.
Did you see the March 28 protest? It wasn’t just academics and engineers. Street dwellers looted beer from Bhatbhateni, ate apples, and even carried away ice cream freezers. Were they all royalists? No, they were infiltrators. Genuine royalists wouldn’t do such things.
Q: Didn’t Durga Prasai try to run over the police with his vehicle?
That was his impulsive reaction, which I condemn. But why didn’t he stay at our stage instead of driving into the crowd? His actions made things worse. He should not have fled. The first time, he ran from Gaushala; now, he escaped from Tinkune. He should have surrendered instead.
Q: What’s your take on the arrest of Rabindra Mishra and Dhawal Shamsher Rana?
In a democracy, protests, strikes, and free expression are political rights. The government has the right to enforce law and order, but this suppression is unnecessary. Rabindra will be released. I heard Swagat Nepal has already been freed. Dhawal will likely be released too. Navaraj’s house arrest will also be lifted soon.
Q: Who will lead the movement once Navaraj Subedi is released?
He will. He remains the coordinator. We are currently discussing the way forward.
Q: Does including figures with criminal backgrounds strengthen your movement’s credibility?
I already said—every movement needs all kinds of people. Even Lord Shiva’s entourage included spirits and ghosts.
Q: You’re a cultural scholar, yet during the COVID-19 pandemic, you promoted an unscientific “corona-banishing” mantra. Why?
That mantra wasn’t my creation. It has existed for generations. Mantras hold power, but only if spoken truthfully. Deception weakens them.
Q: So, what’s next for the movement under your leadership?
The movement will continue. But beyond protests, rituals and spiritual practices are also necessary.
