High level committee starts investigation
Joshi tells media to shun rumours

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, June 6: The high-level committee formed under the convenorship of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Keshav Prasad Upadhyaya to probe into the Royal Palace incident has started its investigation from today.

Minister for Information and Communications Shiva Raj Joshi informed the press here today that the Committee has started its work on the tragic incident that took place in the Narayanhity Royal Palace last Friday evening.

Expressing deep sorrow over the sad demise of Their Majesties and other members of the Royal Family, Minister Joshi asked the press to be more responsible while disseminating the news regarding the incident. He also asked the media not to run after the rumours or speculate on anything until the high-level committee makes public its report.

He informed that the government has also established a Media Centre at the Department of Information to help the media get the facts and the truths.

Similarly, Minister of State for Information and Communications Pushkar Nath Ojha said the press should act in a very responsible manner at a time when there are rumours and misinformation about the last Friday’s incident.

"We should always be together for maintaining peace and order in the country," he said.

Secretary at the Ministry Shreeram Poudel thanked the press for being dutiful and accountable while disseminating information and hoped that it would continue in the future as well.

Heartfelt condolences expressed

Kathmandu, June 6 (RSS): Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi has sent a message of condolences to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala expressing sincerest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family members and the government and people of Nepal on the untimely demise of His Majesty King Dipendra.

He has also prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

Former prime minister of India I.K. Gujral has sent a message of condolences to Prime Minister Koirala expressing deep grief over the tragic assassination of His Majesty King Birendra and leading members of the Royal Family.

In the message, Mr Gujral has said "at this hour of intense sorrow my heart goes in sympathy to the Queen Mother, the state and the people of Nepal."

"It was my privilege to enjoy close personal friendship with the late King," he said. "We last met in December for a long one-to-one informal talk that covered even the personal and family matters; it was beyond imagination that such a tragedy was looming around."

This is testing moment for the government and people of Nepal, he said, expressing confidence that their traditional restraint and unity will prevail to carry the nation through this distressing predicament.

In a similar message, former prime minister of India H.D. Deve Gouda has expressed shock at the demise of Their Majesties King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya and other members of the Royal Family.

Likewise, President of Indonesia K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid has expressed deep sorrow at the tragic passing away of Their Majesties King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya, and some members of the Royal Family.

In a condolence message sent to Prime Minister Koirala, he has expressed heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the government and people of Nepal.

King Jigme Singhye Wangchuck of Bhutan has sent a message of condolence, on behalf of the people of Bhutan and his own, to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala expressing deep shock and immense sadness at the passing away of Their Majesties King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya together with other members of the Royal Family.

King Jigme Singhye Wangchuk, in the message, has stated that His Majesty was a source of great strength and inspiration to this country and was greatly loved and held in the highest esteem by his people.

He has further stated that His Majesty was also widely admired for his contributions in promoting understanding and cooperation in the South Asian region and his passing away will not only be a loss for Nepal but for the region and the world at large.

Similarly, chairman of the Council of Ministers and head of the government of Bhutan Yeshey Zimba has sent a message, on behalf of the people and government of his country and his own, to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala mourning the death of His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, Her Majesty Queen Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah and other members of the Royal Family.

In the message, Mr Yeshey Zimba has stated that His Majesty the King was a fountain of strength and inspiration for his people and was held in the highest esteem both in Nepal and abroad as an enlightened leader and statesman.

Stating that he would like to offer heartfelt condolences to the members of the Royal Family and the people of Nepal on this great national loss and tragedy, he has expressed the confidence that the Prime Minister would provide guidance to the people and the country to tide over this period of great sorrow and difficulty.

Likewise, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has sent a condolence message to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala stating that she learned with deep grief and sorrow the tragic death of His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and Queen Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah, along with other Royal Family members.

"In the death of His Majesty, the people of Nepal have lost a visionary leader and a great statesman and Bangladesh a true friend," she has said in the statement.

Likewise, vice-president of India Krishna Kanta, in his condolence message, has stated that he was shocked and deeply anguished at the terrible tragedy which has befallen the Royal Family of Nepal in which Their Majesties King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya and other members of the Royal Family have lost their lives in circumstances that are as extraordinary as they are heart-wrenching.

He has further stated that the people of India will remember with deep appreciation their contribution to building of Indo-Nepalese relations and the legacy left behind by Their Majesties will endure.

His Majesty specifies Terms of Reference of the Probe Committee

Kathmandu, June 6 (RSS):  His Majesty the King has specified the Terms of Reference of the high level committee constituted by His Majesty under the chairmanship of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Keshav Prasad Upadhyaya by way of the Royal Proclamation on June 4, 2001 to make public the details about the tragic incident that took place at the Narayanhity Royal Palace on the night of June 1.

According to a communique issued here today by the Principal Press Secretariat of His Majesty the King, the committee will submit to His Majesty a report along with true facts about the incident that occurred at the Royal Palace on the night of June 1, 2001.

The committee has been authorised to observe the site of incident and collect details including photographs of the site of incident.

Likewise, the committee has been given the right to acquire information from the family members and other individuals present at the gathering at the site of incident, individuals assigned with the task of security and other services at the palace, doctors and nurses involved in the treatment and other individuals deemed necessary by the committee.

The committee can collect and examine weapons and bullets linked with the incident, and obtain details of examinations from the hospital and receive cooperation of experts about the incident and of other necessary persons to execute its works.

The term of office of the committee will be three days from the date of taking up its charge. Its office will be located at a place determined by the chairman and the committee itself may specify the procedural matters.

His Majesty the King also accepted the resignation submitted through the chairman by leader of the main opposition party in the House of Representatives Madhav Kumar Nepal stating "I submit my resignation as a meeting of the CPN-UML standing committee held on June 5, 2001 decided that I cannot remain on the committee. I and my party pledge full support to the process of investigation when it begins officially."

World leaders greet HM Stability, prosperity wished

Kathmandu, June 6 (RSS):  In a message of felicitations to His Majesty King Gyanendra, President of the People's Republic of India KR Narayanan has expressed solidarity of India as a close friend of Nepal on the occasion of the assumption of the leadership of the Kingdom of Nepal in the efforts to put behind His Majesty this national tragedy and to lead the People of Nepal in their continuing endeavours for stable socio-economic development.

"My government looks forward to working with Your Majesty's government to further strengthen and intensify mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries," the President further said.

Likewise, President of the People's Republic of China Jiang Zemin has, on behalf of the government and people of his country and his own, sent a message to His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev warmly congratulating him on His Majesty's accession to throne.

In his congratulatory message, President Jiang Zemin has expressed confidence that with the concerned effort of the two sides, China-Nepal friendship will develop further and wished prosperity to Nepal and peace and well-being to its people.

In a similar message of congratulations, President of the People's Republic of Pakistan Mohammod Rafiq Tarar has expressed confidence that under His Majesty's wise and sagacious leadership, Nepal will continue on the path of economic and social development and will consolidate its independence.

As a close friend, Pakistan desires peace, stability and prosperity for Nepal and its people, he added.

Chief Executive of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf has extended warm felicitations to His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev on his accession to the throne of the Kingdom of Nepal.

In the message, Chief Executive Musharraf has reaffirmed his abiding commitment to the enhancement of the close and friendly ties and expressed confidence that Pakistan and Nepal would continue to work together in the shared quest for peace, stability and development of the region and for betterment of the people of both the countries

Similarly, President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Justice Shahabuddhin Ahmed, in a congratulatory message to His Majesty the King expressed sincere hope that under the guidance of His Majesty, the existing friendly and cordial relations between Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Nepal will be further strengthened to the mutual benefit of the two countries.

In a similar message, Jigme Singhe Wangchuk has offered warmest felicitations on the occasion of His Majesty's accession to the throne of the Kingdom of Nepal. His Majesty's enthronement is a testimony of the trust and confidence that the people of Nepal have in His Majesty and institution of the Nepalese monarchy, he added.

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of Maldives has warmly felicitated and extended good wishes to His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev on His Majesty's accession to the throne of the Kingdom of Nepal.

In a felicitation message, President Gayoom has wished for good health and well-being of His Majesty and for the peace, stability and progress of the friendly people of Nepal.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain has in a congratulatory message to His Majesty the King expressing best wishes for the future on the occasion of His Majesty’s succession to the throne of Nepal.

Likewise, President Vaclav Havel of the Czech Republic has sent a message of sincere congratulations to His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev on His Majesty’s succession to the throne.

In a congratulatory message, Czech President Vaclav Havel has expressed confidence that His Majesty will successfully continue in the work started by His Majesty’s brother and that peace and order will prevail in Nepal which is important for preserving stability in the whole region.

He has also expressed confidence that relations between the Czech Republic and the Kingdom of Nepal will continue to develop in the spirit of friendship and cooperation for the benefit of both nations.

The Czech President has wished His Majesty health and much success and prosperity for the Nepalese people.

Likewise, President Dr Thomas Klestil of the Federal Republic of Austria has also extended sincere congratulations to His Majesty the King on His Majesty’s accession to the throne.

"Austria, its people and myself will continue to stand at the side of your country in its quest for peace, development and prosperity," he said in the message.

In a similar message, President of Israel Moshe Katsav has extended sincerest congratulations and warmest good wishes for His Majesty’s personal well-being, for the happiness of the royal house and for the continued progress of the people of Nepal.

He has also expressed confidence that under His Majesty’s stewardship the good and friendly relations between Israel and Nepal will continue to flourish to the mutual benefit of both the countries.

18 MPs greet His Majesty

Kathmandu, June 6 (RSS): Eighteen MPs of the House of Representatives have, in a joint statement, extended greetings to His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev on His Majesty's enthronement.

In the statement, they said that the death of His Majesty Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev in an unanticipated and unimaginable incident that took place at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace on the night of June 1 and the death of Their Majesties King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya in the same incident has shocked all the Nepalese people.

The MPs paid tributes to all the members of Royal Family who lost their lives in the incident and wished for speedy recovery of the members of the Royal Family and others who are undergoing treatment now.

Joint Statement

Stating that on the one hand the situation in the wake of the incident expresses people's faith towards the monarchy, while in such hour of national crisis, some other elements are bent on making most of the situation by targeting democracy and the constitutional monarchy on the other, they observed that it is only through exercise of patience and perseverance that we can get freed from the present confusion.

Noting that His Majesty King Gyanendra's commitment towards the constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy has assured all the Nepalese people, the lawmakers said, expressing the belief that the high-level committee formed by His Majesty the King will bring out the facts and truth surrounding the tragic incident.

Those signing the statement are Arjun Prasad Joshi, Ram Chandra Tiwari, Ananda Prasad Dhungana, Pharmullah Mansoor, Shiv Prasad Humagain, Ram Bahadur Bista, Ram Kumar Chaudhary, Lekhnath Acharya, Mrs Kashi Paudel, Mrs Sabitri Bogati Pathak, Surya Prasad Pradhan, Gopal Prasad Koirala, Lekhnath Neupane, Tanka Prasad Sharma Kandel, Hari Bhakta Adhikari, Prakash Bahadur Gurung, Khemraj Bhatta Mayalu and Kailashnath Kashodhan.

Kathmandu relatively calm

Kathmandu, June 6 (RSS):  The people of the valley overwhelmed with grief at the loss of their beloved King and Queen spent the day today in a comparatively peaceful manner.

Curfew was imposed in city limit of Kathmandu and Lalitpur on Tuesday and the Monday due to unrest following the unexpected turn of events.

The process of paying hearty tributes to the late King, Queen and other Royal Family members continued. Hundreds of men and women queued up in front of the Narayanhiti Royal Palace braving the scorching heat to sign the condolence book at the gate of the Royal Palace.

People continued to offer bouquets of flowers, lit incense sticks, candles and traditional oil fed lamps at the portraits of the King, Queen and other Royal Family members at the main gate of the Royal Palace, in front of the statue of King Mahendra at the Durbar Marg, chowks, temples, mutts, monasteries and squares and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.

Men continued to throng barbers shops to have their head tonsured as a token of mourning in this moment of national grief.

Various institutions express grief

Bhaktapur, June 6 (RSS):

Bhaktapur DDC called an emergency meeting the other day and observed one minute's silence in memory of His late Majesty King Birendra, Her late Majesty Queen Aishwarya and the other members of Royal Family in an unanticipated and tragic incident that took place at Narayanhity Royal Palace on June 1.

The meeting also wished for eternal peace to the departed souls.

Similarly, National Press Club, Community Health Service Council, Kalanidhi Indira Sangeet Mahavidhyalaya, Nepal Santa Samaj, Nepal University Teachers' Association, Nepal Freedom Fighters’ Association, Federation of Ex-servicemen Nepal, Nepal Democratic Trade Union Federation, Adhwait Sanstha, Charit Nirmal Sangh, World Hindu Congress, Marwari Sewa Samiti, Nepal-India Friendship Association, Jayatu Sanskritam, Mithila Adarsha Youth Club, Sanskrit Sewa Parisad Pariwar, Nepal Cine-Artistes Association, Bahadur Shah Memorial Foundation, Nepal Bidhwat Parishad, Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nepal Freight Forwarders Association, Sagarmatha Mountaineering Association, National Democratic Council, Maitri Nepal Apanga Sangh, Siddhashram Shakti Kendra and National Democratic Youth Organisation also expressed their heartfelt tributes to Their late Majesties King and Queen and some other members of the Royal Family.

Chairman of Nepal Guardians Society Birendra Man Shrestha and member of dissolved Rajsabha Siddhi Bahadur Khadgi have, in condolence messages, extended profound tributes to Their late Majesty King and Queen and the other members of the Royal Family.

Royal Tragedy

Similarly, Krishna Jyoti Sanjibani Tulasi Sewa Samiti Nepal, Cartoonists' Club of Nepal, Parliamentary Study and Democratic Foundation, Nepal Chamber of Commerce, National Hero Amar Singh Thapa Academy, Nepal Municipalities Employees’ Association, Khumaltar Adarsha Samaj, Janahit Samrakshan Manch, Bal Bhojan Karyakram Nepal, Political Science Association of Nepal, Lumbini Development Trust, Kendriya Manandhar Sangh, Martyr Thirbam Malla Memorial Foundation, Satya Prem Satya Shanti, Satya Ekta Satya Pariwar, Private and Boarding Schools Association of Nepal, Academic Society Co-operatives Ltd., All Nepal Football Association, the Supreme Court, Nepal Trade Union Congress and Nepal Women’s Organisation have also expressed heartfelt tributes to Their late Majesties the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family.

Siraha: Meanwhile, about 50 inmates of Siraha jail have got their head shaved to grief over the untimely demise of the royal couple and some other members of the Royal Family.

According to jailor Kumar Basnet, the head-shaving is underway at the jail where 94 inmates including five women inmates are taking shelter.

Thousands of people have shaven their heads following the untimely demise of His Majesty King Birendra, Her Majesty Queen Aishwarya and members of the Royal Family, it is learnt.

A number of saloon runners have been providing head-shaving services free of cost in the district to pay tributes to Their late Majesties King and Queen.

Mahottari: Likewise, the people of Jaleshwar municipality who are grieved by the untimely demise of His Majesty King Birendra, Her Majesty Queen Aishwarya, His Majesty King Dipendra and other members of the Royal Family took out a silent procession here Tuesday.

The vehicular movement which came to a standstill since the last few days in Mahottari district continued Tuesday.

Butwal: Similarly, the Baidik Dharma Parishad Nepal has said it is grief stricken on the demise of the Hindu King Birendra, the King of the only Hindu Kingdom in the world, Queen Aishwarya, Prince Nirajan, Princess Sruti and King Dipendra and paid tribute to the departed souls.

The central convention of the organisation scheduled to be held on June 9, 10 and 11 has been postponed for an indefinite period due to the demise of Their late Majesties.

The Butwal Chamber of Commerce also organised a meeting to mourn the deaths of Their Majesties, Tuesday.

The Nepal Bar Association Appellate Court Unit Butwal in a press release published Tuesday said all the legal practitioners have been aggrieved from the sad demise of late King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya and King Dipendra.

Pokhara: Lekhnath municipality has expressed deep shock and grief at the unexpected and untimely demise of Their Majesties King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya, His Majesty King Dipendra and some other members of the Royal Family.

In a press release issued here today, the municipality has prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.

It has also wished Her Majesty Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah speedy recovery.

TU congratulates His Majesty

Kathmandu, June 6 (RSS):  The Tribhuvan University Council has congratulated His Royal Highness Prince Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah on his accession to the throne of the Kingdom of Nepal on June 4 and wished for His Majesty’s long governance.

This is stated in a resolution passed by the Tribhuvan University Council meeting held here today.

The TU is proud to His Majesty the King as its chancellor, the resolution said, adding the university is determined to carry out its academic activities in accordance with the guidance provided by His Majesty the King.

TU Council meeting

Similarly, an emergency meeting of the Tribhuvan University Council passed a condolence resolution today, stating that the TU family has been extremely stunned and shocked over the tragic, untimely and unimaginable demise of Their Majesties King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family on June 21.

Referring to His Majesty King Birendra as the centre of faith of all the Nepalese people and harbinger of all round development of the nation, the resolution lauded the valuable guidelines provided by His Majesty the King for the development of entire education sector and especially the university in his capacity as the T.U. chancellor.

The tragic death of T.U. chancellor His Majesty the King has caused an irreparable loss to the entire nation, the resolution states, pledging to provide momentum to the university as per the aspirations of His Majesty the King.

The TU has suffered another tragedy following the demise of His Majesty King Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev at the early age on June 4, the resolution states.

Recalling the guidance provided by His Majesty in the last few days, the resolution prays for eternal peace to the departed soul.

Bhattarai calls for peace, tolerance

Kathmandu, June 6 (RSS):  Former prime minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai has said it is natural for all the Nepalese to be deeply grieved by the news report of the untimely demise of His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, Her Majesty Queen Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah and other members of the Royal Family in an unimaginable and very sorrowful incident that took place at the Royal Palace on June 1.

Likewise, the heart rendering news report of the passing away of His Majesty King Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, who was seriously injured in the same incident and undergoing treatment at Birendra Military Hospital, has further grieved all the Nepalese people, Mr Bhattarai added.

The Nepalese were confident that the irreparable loss of a dynamic leadership caused by the passing away of Their Majesties King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya could be fulfilled by His Majesty King Dipendra, Mr Bhattarai said, adding that at this hour of grief, we cannot imagine the loss caused by the passing away of His Majesty King Dipendra. He also wished for eternal peace to His Majesty King Dipendra.

Mr Bhattarai has urged all the political parties, enlightened youths and all the Nepalese brothers and sisters to create an atmosphere of peace, tolerance, mutual goodwill and confidence by upholding the welfare of Nepal and the Nepalese during this hour of crisis being faced by the country.

Mr Bhattarai said that the commitment expressed by His Majesty King Gyanendra in the first Royal Proclamation to provide continuity to the role played by His late Majesty King Birendra in safeguarding and developing constitutional monarchy and multiparty system, and the formation of a high level committee to probe the tragic incident have become a matter of great happiness for all the Nepalese within and outside the country.

Mr Bhattarai also expressed confidence that the able leadership of His Majesty the King will always benefit Nepal and the Nepalese people.