Kathmandu, March 9 -- A rapid surge of pro-monarchy activities across the country and growing public participation in the rallies and mass meetings in recent days has put pro-republican forces in a fix.

The growing participation of the general public in recent shows of force by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and supporters of pro-monarch and Hindu groups in major cities including Kathmandu also leaves the mainstream political parties including the ruling Nepali Congress, the CPN-UML and even the opposition CPN (Maoist Centre) and others in a dilemma-how to contain the rallies.

A level of support for reinstating king Gyanendra, who was ousted from the Royal Palace following the popular uprising of 2006 by the first Constituent Asse...