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"People are the ultimate authority to decide on Monarchy", Ex king says
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Ex King Gyanendra
How have you been feeling at this time with Monarchy being abolished, of the situation the country is undergoing and also of the countrymen?
Gyanendra Shah: My wish is not different than what majority of people want. At this time I think the most important thing is to guarantee security to the people. My wish is to see peace prevailing in the country and I hope that wishes of the people becoming true, as soon as possible, peacefully which provided space to all. And (stress added) above all, our ancestors who had united this country, the unity should remain intact.
After end of the monarchy and republican order adopted in the country , where do you think the country is heading towards as far as prevalence of anarchy, impunity and violence…parties have failed to garner consensus and now Girija Babu is also no more? Where do you think the country’s politics is heading in the current situation?
Gyanendra Shah: It would be appropriate for you to ask these questions to the general public. Better ask the laymen.
If the people wish to reinstate monarchy are you ready for that?
Gyanendra Shah: Your question is based on hypothesis. But on issues pertaining to monarchy and other issues of national interest it is the people who ultimately decide. Their verdict is final. Thus we should all abide by their decision.
There are several who allege that King Gyanendra is playing power politics from behind the scene?
Gyanendra Shah: If that is the case then I would have done so many things much ahead. I have no such feeling and that is not our intention either. I had relinquished thinking that there would be peace in the country with no feeling of bitterness. I think the Nepali people know its value.
How have you been passing your days? People want to know from you.
Gyanendra Shah (Smiling): What should I say…yes, there are several benefits when you are in the Jungle. There is peace and ample time to think. But my concern is as regards the country currently, national unity and I wish common men too could live their lives happily. And this is how I have been passing my days.
There was a time when Nepali people respected the monarchy. They used to treat the Kings as gods. Now the situation is different. You are not different than a common man and you came to Janakpur along with the public and you have been visiting the common men. What is the difference in being a powerful King and being a common man?
Gyanendra Shah: First of all, I would like to remove some misconceptions. The Kings of Nepal never wanted power. Neither have the kings of Nepal declared themselves as Gods and demanded treatment in that manner. It was the love of people and their belief, nothing more than that.
Personally, I never hesitated to remain in the midst of the people. And today itself, while coming to Janakpur on the occasion of Ram Navami and visiting the Janaki Temple, the common men here showed us their love and affection. I have no words to thank their love towards us. I would like to thank the entire local population. I have nothing more to say.
The Royal Massacre June 1, 2001 and February 1, 2005 coup d’état, did you feel after those two events the love towards monarchy faded some way or the other? This is true isn’t it?
Gyanendra Shah: There are two things here. People always teach lessons and the leaders must learn those lessons. I think the people also wanted to provide us some sort of message. The people might not have wanted to see the Kings becoming active. And second, people should also not forget that Kings are their guardians. Whatever is needed to be done must be done. Currently the situation demands providing safety to the public. Then (February 1, 2005), the situation was different. Today, we are in a totally different situation. The time has moved far ahead. What we all need is a prosperous and successful country.
What went wrong with the institution of monarchy that it got abolished?
Gyanendra Shah: First, I do not think that the institution of monarchy has come to an end. This is hypothetical question as stated earlier.
If we look back into the pages of history, we will see several occasions where Monarchy has embraced ups and downs and observed exit and reinstatement as well. Let the people decide what they want, shouldering their grave responsibility.
What the people decide should be binding on all.
What are your future plans?
I will reside in Nepal under any circumstances. I had the wish to serve the people and the country. This will remain now and also in the future.
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