Nepal’s authorities on Friday banned protests and public gatherings around the Narayanhiti Palace area in the heart of Kathmandu amid demonstrations by groups demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy and the establishment of a Hindu state.

According to a notice issued by Chief District Officer Rishiram Tiwari, the restriction will be in effect from Saturday until July 8.

The restricted zone spans from Kesharmahal Chowk to the southern gate of the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, including the route via Jaya Nepal Mode and the Mahendra Statue to the museum’s southern gate.

All forms of protests, sit-ins, rallies, demonstrations and assemblies are prohibited in this area.

Similar orders had earlier been enforced in front of the residences of the President and Vice-President, the parliament building as well as in Bhadrakali, Singha Durbar and surrounding areas.

The decision comes after pro-monarchy demonstrations in Kathmandu. The pro-monarchist groups, including the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, have launched protest programmes in Kathmandu from Thursday with the objectives of the reinstatement of monarchy in Nepal.

The groups announced that they will organise demonstrations near the Narayanhiti Palace Museum area on Saturday.