An editorial published in yesterday’s edition of Kantipur. Originally in Nepali: The role of the current government in the King’s refusal to answer must be made clear to the people.
King Gyanendra has again repeated his act of stubbornness by refusing to answer the questions of High Level Probe Commission (HLPC). This must have alerted the SPA-Maoists as it reflects the same old mentality, tradition and work pattern of the king. The HLPC hadn’t questioned the King on grounds of his being the Head of the State. The questions were rather focused on the activities carried out him after overthrowing the elected parliament and taking the responsibility of the Chairperson of Council of Ministers, which is obvious.
The executive head is primarily responsible for the misuse of power and violation of human rights during the 19-day People’s movement. As the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers the king should take the responsibility of excessive misuse of position, regime, power and national treasury in order to sustain the autocratic rule. Therefore, the king can’t stay outside the boundaries of the HLPC investigation.
The political and legal system after the April Movement is different. The Parliament has already made the ? decision in principle which allows questions against the King to be raised in the court. A lot of the King’s privileges have been cut off. He can no more commit the offense of curtailing the rights of the people. In addition to it the political powers are busy deciding whether to keep or overthrow monarchy before going for the Constituent Assembly. So the king’s refusal to answer has undoubtedly disrespected the Commission. It has increased concerns about the monarchy still posting a threat in the change people want.
The repression of the Royal regime killed 25 people, more than 5000 were seriously injured while many lost their limbs. There is no record of how much of the national treasure was misused to suppress the movement. As the ex-chairperson of the royal government the king cannot shy away from accepting its responsibility. The vice chairperson, ministers and security heads of the royal regime have already admitted to the commission of having acted as “directed from above”. Taking into account their interrogation and evidences acquired in the process of the investigation the king is in no position to escape unscathed.
The people directed the parties to hold the entire council of ministers including the Chairperson accountable for the atrocities in the 19-day movement. Accordingly the High Level Probe Commission (HLPC) was formed under the chairpersonship of Krishna Jung Rayamajhi. So HLPC has got more to it than just a legal background. It has the support and power of the thousands of Nepalese who took to the streets for overthrowing the autocratic rule. Thereby it is the King’s duty as well as responsibility to answer the questions asked by the people about the unfortunate events in his direct rule. The HLPC provided him an opportunity to do that. Backing out from answering is no excuse for it.
HLPC has got more to it than just a legal background. It has the support and power of the thousands of Nepalese who took to the streets for overthrowing the autocratic rule. Thereby it is the King’s duty as well as responsibility to answer the questions asked by the people about the unfortunate events in his direct rule. Backing out from answering is no excuse for it.
The current government hasn’t given any comments on the king’s refusal to answer. Why is the government silent about this event, which refutes the people and insults the Commission? Some days ago, the First Secretary of the king met Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. Many linked the meeting with the King’s refusal to reply. The government cannot stay silent about the King’s refusal to answer the People’s Commission. And as the head of the government Girija Prasad Koirala’s is a question of accountability to the people. The role of the current government in the King’s refusal to answer must be made clear to the people.
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Comments
97 responses to “Haughty King: Gyanendra Refuses To Answer People”
The SPA govt. is turning out to be a big sad joke. Both the maos and the monarchs are taking it for a ride. Show some cojones!
Kirat, are you sure everyone on this Nepal blogsite understands street Spanish?
Balls?
I am not communist and nor any congresssis but I am a democrat. What I want is peace in Nepal like all average people in Nepal. These people are niether Maoists, nor congressis or UML. They are just simple villagers who want peace in Nepal.Maoists should be eliminated at last.
Sirs and Madams:
I am happy to read reasonable responses and rational thoughts of the blogers to this article except for some extrimists like KP.
I suggest KP should create his own probe’s commission to question Prachanda, Puspa Dhahal. I mean he should.
But HLPC was created with the mandate of the people to bring justice to the atrocities committed against the will and aspiration of people who took part in the peaceful people’s movement II.
KP and other exetrimists or royalists or feudal oligarchists might not have taken the part in the movement.
You cannot speak to make “Jumli saying -gorkhaliko lauri hali jeudi garne bani”. Meaning if Gorkhalis want to give trouble to people who are on the street walking you trap them with the stick so that they trip over the street.
(Historically Jumla region of Nepal – include Humla, Mugu, Jumla, Bajura, Bajhang people had during Rana and early Panchayet expressed thier thought being rule by the Gorkhas. This was because in the local administration they had no locals from their own region). KP and other royalists must know the truth about this historical record. If not they should and bring to this blog. I challenge.
So for KP other extrimists in this blog can raise matter that has no significance with the threat.
With our democratic steps we have one thing yet to accomplish is the justifications for the immidiate atrocities that were committed against peaceful democratic movement.
As times comes we will have to accomplish justice on other matter too.
Remember the fact that people’s movement II was accomplished together with the Maoists. Meaning the Maoists were co-oprative according to the agreements with SPA.
I suggest KP and other extremists royalists learn to face the evidential facts and rational thoughts.
Not with phobia for ‘hachuwa’ arbitrary thoughts and feelings.
I ask KP and other royalists to file case at the Supreme court to bring the Maoists to justice for their atrocities committed on people.
Do it someting, just not try to fool the readers with your phobia for ‘hachuwa’.
“Balls?” Si, Mucho grande needed.
Anon Liberty,
“Sirs and madames I am happy blah blah…”
Who died and made you the judge and jury buddy boy? I sense a deep tone of authoratarian comradeness in you.
However, I am glad at your personal pickings on me, where you have shown no sensible argument againsts my many earlier comments, but only personal attacks. And you know what they say about personal attacks being used as the only form of argument…?
I suggest you take a strong reality pill. You must be one of the stupidist maoist comrades placed to look through this blog. Do you think I have a death wish to go and file a case against the maoists at this point in time? I and many more my dear pal want the government to do it for us. However, for the time being may I with your “comrade the almighty’s” permisssion keep my ball$ in place?!?!
Oh yes one more thing Anon Liberty,
You say I did’nt take part in the movement. Your statement. Damned right I did’nt. You think I would take part in a maoist movement? Now tell me where were you in the movement exactly if at all you were there? Were you at the back with your comrades who hit the road when the security forces came out and pushed all the perplexed villagers out in front and squashed in the middle? Were you there when I was offering water to dozens of these people who when asked what they were doing had very little clue and looked lost and frightened, other than to say – “we were told by maoists to just go to Ktm or shug out money to stay behind”? Please let us know. Also how many participants in this blog do you think took part in the andolan? Or were you one of those quick protestors who got caught right in the beginning and was placed in jail for the entire andolan period away from the dangers a la the “civil society” buncharoos? Don’t bother to reply because I don’t buy your moronic arguments anyway.
Oh yes one more thing Anon Liberty,
You say I did’nt take part in the movement. Damned right I did’nt. You think I would take part in a maoist movement? Now tell me where were you in the movement exactly if at all you were there? Were you at the back with your comrades who hit the road when the security forces came out and pushed all the perplexed villagers out in front and squashed in the middle? Were you there when I was offering water to dozens of these people who when asked what they were doing had very little clue and looked lost and frightened, other than to say – “we were told by maoists to just go to Ktm or shug out money to stay behind”? Please let us know. Also how many participants in this blog do you think took part in the andolan? Or were you one of those quick protestors who got caught right in the beginning and was placed in jail for the entire andolan period away from the dangers a la the “civil society” buncharoos? Don’t bother to reply because I don’t buy your moronic arguments anyway.
answer to dot.dot:
Since the people’s war was started by the Maoists, they alon must take the responsibility of all the 13 thousand people killed during the insurgency. Before 1996, the army was inside barracks playing volleyball. Only after the Maoists started the war, was the Nepal Army mobilized.
very sensible comments by KP and ankit.
What the f**k is wrong with kantipur and wagle, why dont you say something about your boss “Don Prachanda” and the maoist mafia.
If Mr. Pushpa Dahal is not held reponsible for the atrocities during his personal peoples war, (forget the actual perpetrators who were just exploited by this monster), then I will give it to you in writing right now – this country has no hope left. This bloodshed will be forever in the minds of our people and future ambitions of people like Dahal. At the very least we need a truth and reconciliation commisssion like that of South Africa – at the very least. Then we may have some glitter of hope for the future generations.
I wonder if wagle will shut down this site if the king is gone.There will be no one left for wagle to curse.
sl,
Yes it is about time. The so called peace process is going nowhere. The maoists are doing things according to their own rules. It is time for this commission where the healing may begin. Instead of all acting like the bees knees, they had better begin acting like they owe the people a very big apology – live on TV answering questions to an independent commission. I think everyone has had enough of this BS. Let’s have a truth and reconciliation council first along with disarmament, and then just go for an election. Political issues can be settled after the voters cast their vote. Majority wins I believe.
I dont know why it is that big of an issue.
If King Gyanendra has violated the human rights, what about violations by Maoists and SPA. Are they above the law now? They have violated the constitution, human rights and what ever you want to say since Democracy was established in 1992. Arent they accountable to anyone.
If property is the issue, King Gyanendra inherited and his business as well gave him money apart from other sources.
What the huge property amassed by political leaders in these last 10 years. Prior to democracy, they were on bikes, and now they have Pajeros or Prados or Land Cruisers, apart from house worth more than 2 Crores for sure.
They were never and will never be accountable because they represent the poor people of Nepal.
Media plays an important role in established a Democracy. Its sad to have media houses like Kantipur.
Prof. Pyare Lall says he is democrat, then stop advocating forming death squads like your mentor the US consultant killer Dr Tom Marks, but I feel this request is to much for you and your democracy is a fig leaf for your barbarity which has been amply demonstated on these pages for some time.
We can only have a truth and reconciliation commision when Prachanda believes he did something wrong. In his mind this lunatic doesn’t care about all the gorss sufferings he bought about.
At this point, it would be enough to just get them to lay down their arms and keep their militias in a lease!
well, everybody seems to be in revenge mode here, how sad.
yes, i understand, frustration and hopelessness do sometimes get a better of us, making us emotional and sensitive, so we demand instant gratification to sooth our vengeful hearts by having beating hearts on the platter, may they belong to king, prachanda, baburam or girja and his elks.
one half demands banishment of king, the other half demands splattering moaist’s brains out, and yet another half demands lynching of political leaders. yes, i said, three halves, who cares, as if reason and logic holds any more.
but, i believe, and i take a liberty to make this statement, that most of the commenters here and elsewhere who can write in fine english belong to one of these halves demanding to see some gore in retribution.
and, i won’t be completely wrong to state this either, that most of us here (in blogs) are not among the direct victims of either government or moaists atrocities, if there are, who have been, i apologize for my arrogant assertiveness. how many of you have your immediate family shot by moaist, abducted by army, your house or field confiscated by local maoists or feudal lords?
yes, i do understand, you don’t have to be a direct victim to protest or fight against atrocities. and, i do understand most of us out here are fighting for their own sense and understanding of belief, freedom, equity and justice.
so you see my dear friends, we have this liberty, we just have this impending fear of being the victim of such atrocities, we are not yet, though looks very probable. so we have liberty to be calm and think, and if we can’t do that ourselves while having discussion or discourse here or anywhere with all that luxury and liberty, how would you expect the real victims (of either sides) to understand and give away their vengeful heart and look forward for peace?
think about it, well you guys always say, everyone has responsibility for nation building, so here is our chance.
My point of view is that if two people are responsible for everything what has been happenning in otherwise peaceful Nepal, then why not to save from more violence and bloodsheds by only eliminating two lives. Last I saw on TV was the jail for perpetual to the Prachanda of Peru who will be rotten in jail. They believed to have killed 70,000 people in Peru.In the communist polit buro, only one or two persons are powerful and they control whole chain of command. If they are not there, the whole campaign will be dispersed like what happened to Shining Path.
Other point I could not understand is that why Limbus, Magars, Gurungs, Tamangs and Madhesis are following two brahmins so blindly, when they should be against the atrocities done by Brahmins for centuries on them.
In Peru, it was a total failure, in Nepal it is eminent to failure. It is only the passage of time, because in the 21st century, no body believes in the philosophy of assassinations and violence on the poor section of the society. Now because of threats of guns, people are not speaking against the Maoists. But if they go to free and fearless elections, how much vote they will get in the elections, it is questionable. It will be less than 20 percent, even my forecast is in the higher side.
So in other words… continue to be patient with Prachanda?
Look Harkee, I sure as well don’t want more innocent Nepalis to die. As far as possible we would all like to see a peaceful settlement. There are a few extreamist here who want bloodshed but the vast majority of people want nothing but peace. But we have given the Maoists and Prachanda all the benefit of the doubt. People are even willing to forgive (not forget) the past autocities as one commentator point out. But it seems as if nothing is enough for the Maoists!
Nice comments by RSS.
Talk about shaha dynasty’s 240 years of crime first, talk about current king and his son’s crime then, we ought to come to Prachanda’s crime later. Why don’t you talk to your son RSS about this and come up with the proposal to handcuff these bloody lunatics; and report to your grand pa here? Mahilo sahu has crossed all the limits and his arrogance has taken the monarchy from Nepal, you guys want it or not. People of Nepal want “Ganatantra” Why do you people lick these royals a*s*s? What good are they for? I do not understand why a person with right mind would support the drug mafia and Murti Chor? I am an old man but I am not afraid of change. Change involves taking risk. I believe it is worth taking risk this time for good. If maoist take over, we will go for another revolution, if they behave, Nepal will have better future than this.
Last ten years in Nepal were horrifying. Everyone did make some mistakes – King Gyanendra or Maoists or SPA. Things will definitely not improve if we continue with the blame game, which is the current scenario if we closely analyse it.
The good news is Maoists are on the negotiating table. There has to be some gives and takes in such situation. SPAs and Maoists have to work it out really soon to resolve this mess. They need to clear their doubts before there is another civil war in the country. Atleast they need to set a roadmap to act like a guideline.
Arms Management and Monarchy are the main issues disturning the negotiation right now.
1) Maoists and SPAs are both right on their side. SPAs are more influenced by the international community to disarm the Maoists before the election. But Maoists also cannot trust the SPA, which is fair. The best solution would be not to disarm Maoists right now and invite the UN arms monitoring team and human rights team to monitor the situation in Nepal until the election are over – thereafter which the Maoists and Nepal Army future would be decided. But the decision has to be reached now to avoid another deadlock. Looking at former wars around the world, it is not possible and practical for the Maoists to disarm. SPAs should behave more maturely now.
2) Monarchy is not a person – it is an institution. Thousands are profiting from it and many others influenced. It would never be possible to lock up a century old institution over night. Important step would be isolate this institution, first restructure the Royal Army – of course after the CA election as noted in the previous point. That will reduce the Palace powers tremendously. Remove the RA batallion from the Palace. Cut down resources and so on. Once it is isolated, it would be important to abolish the institution. It is very important to note that no Nepali want Paras Shah as their King in few years.
Last but not the least, SPAs and Maoists need to grow up now. What they lack is planning. The day after revolution saw sudden changes against the Monarchy. “Royal” was removed everywhere possible. And now, SPA is stuck on the same issue – future of Monarchy. Did it change anything – nothing. Changing the name will not make a difference.
Media should take a major responsibility now. Its pity to have media houses like Kantipur Publications. They need to ensure better functioning of Democracy. They have a network all over Nepal. Voices from across the country should be made public. Ministers in Kathmandu specially have no idea at all what is going on outside the Valley. They are like Inar ko Bhyaguta.
Mr Koirala, something seems to be wrong with you. Why are you trying to save King Gyanendra.? There has to be a good reason. If there is one, please state it without being adamant about the issue. It is not your personal opinion, it is the Nepali Janta who needs to decide.
I ask Haisanlu whether the killings, rape and extortion are the rights only of Maoists ? If others do it, is it illegal ? If the life of two persons can be sacrificed for overall peace of Nepalese and Nepal, then is it the big price ?
The argument that the Maoists are a response to inequality, lack of development and injustice is a half-truth.
In just 5 short years after a new constitution was implemented, the Maoists launched their armed “People’s War” against a fledgling democratic government that was trying to establish itself after 30 years of repressive Panchayati regime. Unless you live in an ideal world, anyone knows that 5 years is hardly enough time to expect a new seed to blossom into a tree and start bearing fruits.
Prachanda and Baburam even participated in the election after 1990 — and lost. I would argue that the Maoists were in a rush to launch the People’s War not because of the lack of rural development but because of the progress being made in the Nepali economy, and their fear of being left out and forgotten.
It beggars the question why the Maoists didn’t bother to launch the so-called “People’s War” at the height of Panchayat when repression was the norm, and instead just when democracy was beginning to take root in Nepal? It is an irony that the Maoists ended up destroying the same infrastructures and killed the same rural folks that they were supposedly fighting for.
Now that the Nepali people have had enough of enough, and ousted a monarch that didn’t listen to them, the Maoists are still so callous as to not heed the call of the peace. That they would still go on abducting, killing and extorting during the time of peace talks and ceasefire is showing their true colours.
It sure does not inspire any confidence about their supposed democratic change-over.
Finally someone with common sense!
prism, Bhudai- Any intelligent person knows that the Maoists just took advantage of the injustices and inequalities present in Nepal, that were never addressed by the panchayat govt.s or the ‘democractically’ elected govt.s The fact is that none of these govt.s bothered to address these problems. This left a dangerous vacuum for the Maoists to exploit which they promptly did. Till 1998 we only thought of Maoists as a bunch of commie wannabes active in the remote far west region of Rukum and Rolpa.
Hopefully in the next few years the inequalities and injustices are at aleast earnestly addressed (can hardly expect them to be resolved) otherwise a far worse monster could once again take advantage of the deep divisions within our Nepali society (just think Rwanda, Sudan, the former Yugoslavia).
Well the Maoists are not going to solve inequalities! In fact I was reading an article by CK Lal in which he talks about how the Maoists have done just the opposite.
I normally don’t like CK’s pro Congressi crap but this article was actually good. I recommend that you read it.
C.K Lal is one of the few voices of reason in the country. Better than those royalist stooges by far.
Bhudai, ofcourse the Maoists won’t solve anything…that’s for sure. They’ve created more problems than before. But the fact that there was so much inequality and injustice in our society allowed them to flourish with their glib talk and false promises. It was waiting to happen and it did.
Okay, but now they really need to be stopped!
From the detailed analysis, it seems that all our leaders are deceiving the people. First, Prince Gyanenedra sow the seed of Maoists by giving some money and 303 Rifles to Prachanda and Baburam. Gyanendra was angry with King Birendra and democarcy he had given to the people. Gyanendra was doing both legal and illegal business.He did not know about becoming the King. He had good contacts with Prachanda and Baburam during his Nirmal Niwas days.Sharad chandra Shaha is believed to be the father of Maoists.
Now it is Girija and Prachanda.They are showing to the public that they are talking. Then what is the result ?
Girija and Gyanendra met many times after Jana Andolan II. Gyanendra must have asked to save him in return for a lot of money he may give to NC. It is called co-existence in the truest sense. That is why Girirja is advocating today also for Monarchy.
From the above, it is clear that Girirja, Gyane and Prachanda are deceiving Nepalese people.I came to know very recently that Prachanda and Gyane have very good relations. They have already met several times.It is only for the Maoists militants Prachanda is saying that he is for abolishing Monarchy.That is how the politics of present Nepal runs. Have you heard maoists attacking Royal business and properties ? Have you ever heard Girirja and Gyane giving orders to catch or kill Prachanda ? Only Deuba did it.
So we Nepalese are scapegoats whatever system comes ? Now whole International community are laughing at us about our “TALKS”. Can you tell me what happenned to that ?
Dear Prof. Pyare,
i don’t know if that’s how it exactly worked between gyane and peechande.
but, i am glad, you got the bigger picture, that’s always how politics work, and hoping that everyone gets it someday.
Prof. Pyare,
You are indeed making tall claims. But without corroboration or clarification of your sources, your claims offer no value.
Can you please enlighten us with regards to the veracity of your claims in this hallai-halla ko desh? Thank you.
The King is being used as a scapegoat for not moving forward in governance, NC and formulation of the constitution..
In any case we will always need the King – a third actor – to balance the act of governance of the nation..
Yes Shanti but the King needs to make sure that he accepts that role and stays within the boundaries! We really cannot afford another Feb 1st move!
I don’t think Gyanendra has the nerve for another coup. He’s old and tired and just wants an easy life.
What I wrote in number 83 is not just from the devil’s workshop. It is the true story.We lesser human beings who have to work hard for earning a living do not know what exactly happenning at the higher levels.I don’t know about very recently but about even 6/7 years ago, Gyane and prachande were good friends. It is like “Bhindranwale Syndrome” in India which ultimately killed Indira Gandhi.Another example, a former CIA trainee Bin Laden during Soviet era in Afghanistan is now the number one enemy of the Americans.
Time time ki baat hai Jaani !!!!
prof. pyare lal are you really a professor?????
No, I am a top secret agent.
“I don’t think Gyanendra has the nerve for another coup. He’s old and tired and just wants an easy life.”
I think he has a lot more courage than he is given credit for. He could already easily have fled with his fortune.
prof ain’t no agents, he is fool, who knows no shit except craps written in papers, dream on bro…..
You are neither top nor secret but you are an agent and now the world knows what for.
All the scumbags who readily accepts that by being republic means entering into a new era or sign of developed stage, think again. System does not make society or a country, its the people. Pretending and assuming is one think but to go headlong without understanding the ramifications and reprecussions is like a joker who believes that just by wearing suit and a tie he can speak english, act Indian, and think chinese. Simple fact – clothes or act of imitation does not define a man, just a cheapstakes.
hey k ho.
[icd] Gyane[ndra] le ahile pani nepal lai [icd] le la kha bhanere diyako desh bhani thanyo ki k ho ganthe….. tyaslai ta fanssin dinu parne. soja janata lai janata kai paisa le kineko goli le thokna kasari sakeko.
France ko kranti jastai giletin le kati pathaunu parcha ki k ho? [icd] tyasbela ko senior banepachi chup lagi basna paincha ki k ho? Ki danak khana na pugeko ko ho? chaina bhane janata le tyo darbar gheri jalauna tayar chan, ki tyai garnu paryo han sathiho……….??????????
Government can hang to this type of tanashaha