Thousands rally in support of Nepal's former king and call for monarchy's return

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KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Thousands of supporters of Nepal's former king gathered outside Kathmandu airport Friday to greet him and demand the restoration of abolished monarchy in the Himalayan nation.

Gyanendra Shah waved to the cheering crowd from the sunroof of his car as hundreds of police officers in riot gear struggled to control the supporters crowding the main entrance at Tribhuvan International Airport.

“Bring back the king. We love our king more than our own selves. Restore constitutional monarchy,” the crowd chanted.

More supporters lined the route from the airport to the former king's private residence. The crowds were peaceful and no arrests were made.

The former king was returning from a trip to eastern Nepal.

Massive street protests in 2006 forced Gyanendra to give up his authoritarian rule, and two years later the parliament voted to abolish the monarchy as Gyanendra left the Royal Palace to live the life of a commoner.

An estimated 10,000 supporters turned out for a similar rally last year at the airport. Another pro-royal rally last year had turned violent leaving two dead and many injured.

Gyanendra has not commented on the calls for the return of monarchy. Despite growing support for the former king, Gyanendra has slim chances of immediately returning to power as the support is not as significant as that for other political parties opposing the idea.

The show of support for the monarchy comes ahead of crucial parliament elections next month. Pro-Gyanendra groups, which won about 5% of seats in the last election, are hoping to win seats.