KATHMANDU: Former king Gyanendra Shah has ‘reaffirmed his belief in multiparty democracy and a constitutional monarchy’.
Releasing a video message on the eve of Nepali New Year, Shah said, “We have consistently upheld the tradition of multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy, based on the will of the people.”
Shah expressed sorrow over the deaths of two youths when the protest organised by pro-monarchy forces at Tinkune on March 28 turned violent.
Video journalist Suresh Rajak and a Kirtipur resident Sabin Maharjan lost their lives while scores of others sustained serious injuries when the protest went out of control.
“We were extremely saddened to hear of the human and physical losses caused by the violence, arson and destruction during the recent public protest. There can be no system or ideology greater than civil liberty,” the former king said. “Every social and political group has the right to express its beliefs and views, but this must be done with restraint and responsibility.”
Calling for unity and national introspection, he urged Nepalis not to fall into divisive rhetoric or conflict. “Nepalis must not be divided by ideology or identity. The future of Nepal lies in the unity of its people,” Shah stated.
Shah also emphasised that Nepal must move beyond outdated ideological divisions. “The world has moved on, yet we remain trapped in cycles of political dogma. Our thoughts and actions must now centre around mother Nepal,” he said, calling for dialogue, consensus and coordination as the foundation for national problem-solving.
Shah’s new year message comes nearly two months after his statement released on the eve of Democracy Day in February created ripples in the national politics.
Following his February 18 appeal to the people to support him, pro-monarchy forces regrouped and formed the committee led by Panchayat-era leader Nabaraj Subedi.
The Subedi-led committee called the Tinkune protest on March 28 which resulted in deaths of two people, vandalism, arson and loot in the protest areas.
He issued the latest statement as lawmakers from major political forces, among others, have demanded that the government hold Shah responsible for the violence claiming that he was the mastermind behind the recent demonstrations including the Tinkune protest. - The Kathmandu Post/ANN
