South Asia News

Nepal's former king "concerned" over state of nation

Jul 7, 2009, 6:54 GMT

Kathmandu - Nepal's former king Gyanendra Tuesday expressed concern over recent events in the country in his first public comments since he was deposed nearly a year ago. His statement coincided with his 63rd birthday, and just over a year after Nepalese politicians voted overwhelmingly to abolish the monarchy in the Himalayan nation and declared it a republic. In his statement, Gyanendra said he had left the royal palace with the hope and expectation that peace and law and order would improve, but he had been disappointed. 'Even in this changed context, there has been no improvement in the lot of my beloved fellow citizens, my brothers and sisters, I am very perturbed, very troubled and very anguished,' Gyanendra said. Gyanendra's comments came amid a widening rift between the main political parties which united in 2006 to overthrow the monarchy. In the latest crisis, the Maoist-led government collapsed over a power struggle with the president which has threatened to derail the peace process with Maoist guerrillas. The Maoist-led government was succeeded by another coalition government led by the Communist Party of Nepal - Unified Marxist Leninist, but the Maoists have virtually brought Nepalese politics to a standstill with their protests. There is also a growing separatist movement in the southern Nepalese plains, known as Terai, affecting the country's economy. 'My request to all is that never any consent be given to break the Nepalese garland of the Himalayas, the hills and the Terai,' Gyanendra said. Gyanendra also repeated his position that he would not leave the country and seek refuge elsewhere. 'It is with a pure heart that within this fascinating environment, my posterity and I wish to remain, along with my fellow compatriots,' Gyanendra said. Gyanendra became the last king to rule Nepal, and his departure ended nearly 240 year rule of the Shah Dynasty that rose from a small principality of Gorkha in western Nepal and extended the country's borders to much of modern Nepal.

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DirghaRajPrasai- NEPALJul 8th, 2009 - 05:23:11

Dear editor,
Wen Nepalese people wish-'Long live the King'. Without monarchy Nepal can't adjust. Due to the removal of the monarchy, Nepal is facing anarchism- the lawlessness, theft; robbery, killing, corruption and scarcity of goods, political and social malpractices are increasing day by day. Nepalese people have been seen so many criminals and anarchists enjoying impunity. No leaders are responsible about the deteriorated situation of Nepal. In 1999, there was a plebiscite in Australia whether to accept the British monarchy as its head of state and majority of the Australians voted for the existing arrangement. Even in Canada, the British monarchy has been accepted as its head of state. If they can accept the Queen of Britain as their head of state, why can't we in Nepal keep monarchy, which had the principle role in unifying this country, and modernize it. So, to save Nepal, there must be reinstated the permanent institution–'Monarchy'. Without monarchy Nepal can't adjust. This is the right time when unified nationalist forces of Nepal should be empowered using the constitution of 1990. This can only protect the nationalism, monarchism, democracy and its norms in Nepal. Therefore, we request to all the international leaders & diplomats to propose to reinstate the Nepalese monarchy. Thank you.
Dirgha Raj Prasai

Email: dirgharajprasai@gmail.com

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