One year later, Nepal King pats own backs as violence continues

As King Gyanendra was boasting of his success as a “true nationalist leader” during the past one year of his direct rule, Tansen c...

As King Gyanendra was boasting of his success as a “true nationalist leader” during the past one year of his direct rule, Tansen city in the west was fast turning into a killing field.

“Terrorism has been reduced to sporadic petty crimes,” the King said in his address to the nation on Wednesday. But two hours later, the Army headquarters confirmed that at least 20 security people including three soldiers and 17 policemen were killed in an overnight attack by “terrorists” in Tansen. Unconfirmed reports said the loss on the government side could cross 70. The King however, did not respond to the Tansen incident. In his 20-minute address, he gave no indication of shedding power, nor seemed perturbed over the growing international disapproval of his act against democracy.

He promised full security arrangements to those who would win the municipal elections, at the same time promising that elections of all the representative bodies including the House of Representatives would be completed by mid-April 2007. He made no reference to the boycott of the municipal elections by the major political parties.

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He patted his own back for the clarity in pursuit of its foreign policy during the past one year. “Nepal’s foreign policy is now clear and stable. Our foreign policy and relations are solely guided by how best to serve and protect our national interest in a rapidly changing world. This has restored Nepal’s prestige and credibility in the international arena.”

“Nepal has malice towards none and is alert in ensuring that her territory is not used against any friendly country”, he said in reference to India and China, adding Nepal is preparing to be the transit point between them. About his performance, the King said “the disappointment among the Nepalese people had been removed, self-confidence and dignity restored in a period of one year.”