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| Kathmandu, Saturday January 04, 2003 Paush 20, 2059. |
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Huge crowd defies Maoist call for bandh,
attends civic felicitation
HM King’s re-assertion for multiparty
democracy
By Harsa Subba & Gunaraj Luitel
BIRATNAGAR, Jan 3:His Majestry King Gyanendra today dispelled
doubts that there was a threat to the multiparty democratic system from the monarchy but
reiterated that multiparty democracy has to comply with certain political conduct.
Addressing huge public rally after his ‘public
felicitation’, His Majesty the King said, "When we speak of multiparty polity,
we should not forget the need for political conduct and way of life to comply with
democratic norms and values. Similarly, development activities must give due emphasis to
economic prosperity and social harmony. Upholding nationalism, multiparty democracy and
social justice, has, therefore, been our top priority."
A large number of people were present at the
civic reception organised in this earstern regional hub, despite the Maoist-called
"Mechi-Koshi bandh". However, leaders and cadres of the major political parties
- Nepali Congress and CPN-UML - chose not to attend the felicitation ceremony which they
said was against the norm constitutional monarchy should stick to.
His Majesty the King said mutual differences
should be resolved through dialogues, with patriotism as a uniting factor.
Addressing the huge public rally after his
‘public felicitation’, the king said, "Patriotism must form the basis for
the resolution of all feuds, while the greater good of the nation and people must be taken
into consideration in finding out amicable solution to mutual differences." However,
no direct reference to the ongoing criticisms of the political parties directed against
him or the violent movement launched by the Maoists in the country.
The king was offered gifts on behalf of the
local social workers and businessmen. Colourful procession of various local communities
moved around the major thoroughfare of the city before converging into the stadium.
Chairman of the civic reception committee, Meghraj Sharma, presented a letter of
felicitation to Their Majesties King Gyanendra and Queen Komal.
Without directly mentioning the Maoists, King
Gyanendra also pointed out the need for a dialogue to bring an end to the seven-year-old
insurgency waged by the rebels in the country. "Our common cause should be based on
the conviction that Nepal’s monarchy in the 21st century is for democracy; democracy
is for the nation’s development and both the monarchy and democracy are for the
prosperous future of Nepal."
"Close contacts with our countrymen have
always encouraged us to re-dedicate ourselves to the welfare of the nation and people. The
faith and affection you have shown us here today serves as a source of great inspiration
for us to remain even more resolute in ensuring their well being."
Stating that the institution of the monarchy
is always guided by the people’s consent, His Majesty the King further said,
"Intimate relation between the king and the people is the main shield of Nepal. Nepal’s
monarchy has always been the follower of people’s will. It has always been our firm
desire that no Nepali should experience any pain or suffering."
His Majesty said political, economic, social
and human resource development must be pursued within the framework of the multiparty
democratic polity and our people made prosperous soon if we were to ensure a place for our
motherland among the comity of nation.
Stating that the nation is at very difficult
and complex crossroad, His Majesty the King pointed out the need for reconciliation, not
indulging in mutual recrimination. "We have many challenges ahead of us. Therefore,
it is our desire that instead of indulging in mutual recrimination, all patriots should
work in unison towards the nation’s welfare. The king added that nationalism,
democracy and progress complement each other and all of us must work together in the
creation of a dynamic and prosperous new Nepal with constitutional monarchy and multiparty
democracy as its cornerstones.
The monarch also urged the people to rise
above class, regional and party interests in the greater good of the country. "The
international agenda of the day - market economy, good governance, transparency and
corruption-free practices - must be incorporated into our national agenda, too." He
said that the country’s future and the people’s security cannot be held hostage
to serve our ambitions and desires.
The king also addressed ongoing friction
between the palace and the political parties. He characterised it as "technicalities
and personal issues". "All of us are at a juncture where history will judge us.
Those who cannot do justice to Nepal, those who cannot believe in the sound judgement of
the people and those who cannot align themselves in favour of peace will stand condemned
by the motherland."
The king called upon all to forge unity and
urged all not to divide on minor issues. "Nepalese people aspire for law and order in
the country, harmony in the society and improvement in their living standards," added
the king. At the end of his speech, the king urged all to serve and defend our motherland,
mindful of the fact that love for the nation is inherent in us.
Meanwhile, our reporter in Dhankuta said that
Their Majesties are scheduled to visit Tehrathum’s district headquarters, Myanglung,
on Saturday. The district headquarters was destroyed by a blazing fire on December 8. A
highly placed source said that Their Majesties will grant audience to the fire victims.
Property worth Rs two billion was reduced to a cinder after the fire engulfed more than 80
houses.
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