King unhappy with response to emergency

Nepal’s King Gyanendra has said he was ‘‘disappointed’’ by the strong international opposition to his February 1 se...

Nepal’s King Gyanendra has said he was ‘‘disappointed’’ by the strong international opposition to his February 1 seizure of power and asserted ‘‘extreme situations require extreme measures’’ as the kingdom was going through difficult times.

In his first interaction with the foreign media since the imposition of emergency, he told Time magazine he was ‘‘disappointed’’ by the strong international opposition. ‘‘Disappointed because what was the objective of February 1? To fight for democracy against terrorism. Our friends must tell us whether this is incorrect or help us in this cause… I am saddened by our friends that curbed much-needed assistance. They feel it will be used against democratic forces. That lopsided opinion has not been thought through,’’ he said.

On being told that he talks democracy, but his methods are anti-democratic, the King said: ‘‘We can go on arguing about methods asking was it necessary to go so far. But less might have yielded no results. I think Nepalis understand that it’s a question of the survival of the nation… With determination, discipline and diligence, Nepal will move forward. Peace must be given a chance.’’

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The King said Nepal cannot afford the conflict anymore. ‘‘Democracy is here to stay. (That) commitment is something a King has made to his people. But undisciplined freedom has nearly brought about the end of democracy. Why is it, when we talk of freedom, that everyone forgets their duty to the nation?’’

On whether by shutting out political parties and locking their leaders, he was damaging the very thing he has been saying he was protecting, Gyanendra said: ‘‘If it’s already broken, I don’t call that damage at all…What’s peace for? Stability. And what will peace give you? An opportunity to hold elections. What are they for? So the democratic parties are in place again. I am giving you a roadmap.’’

About the Army’s much-criticised human rights record, he said: ‘‘I am not saying there have not been accidents. But where the guilty have been found, action has been taken.’’

On whether he felt burdened by office, the King added: ‘‘It must be my destiny… Any leadership is a question of living dangerously and being at risk, but that does not mean one shies away from it.’’

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Time also carried an interview with Maoist leader Prachanda who claimed: ‘‘The great people’s war has entered its last stage of strategic offensive…We have already pushed the Royal Nepalese Army into a defensive position and confined them to the capital and their barracks. We have confidence in ultimate victory.’’

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