"Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown". Written a few hundreds years ago in totally different circumstance, this is still not a dead dictum, specially in Kingdom like ours. King Gyanendra who was forced to assume power by the most irresponsible behavior of the senior Nepali politicians must be able to judge how far the bard was right. Our poor country, at the moment, is facing a grave situation and will avert a total disaster only if the King can steer it to safety and security. Indeed, it was his responsibility and he accepted the challenge boldly. But the mechanisms used in implementing his policies seem to have fallen far short of public approbations and expectations. Despite the striking successes of the security forces in recent times, feelings of respite and peace in the masses are conspicuously absent. The insensitive treatment of thousands of displaced persons on account of Maoist atrocities is only contributing to aggravate the volatile situation. The acute shortage of drinking water in capital is only fanning the resentment against the establishment. Criminal wastage of this precious stuff at certain places when neighborhoods are going dry for days and weeks speak volumes of inept management. And there is no taker of complaints. This is just to prove the point that those responsible for providing service and facilities to the common man have failed to dedicate themselves to their jobs which only hurts the image of monarchy in the present situation. And we have never minced our words in expressing our mind in regard to the sanctity and security of the institution of monarchy, which, at the moment is under great duress. The vigorous uncalled for pressures being put on King Gyanendra, both by internal and external forces, if not tackled adroitly and wisely would not only irreparably impair the image of the institution but diminish its prestige and authority irretrievably. Pressures by international community to bring the democratic process back to track can be understood. But, how can they justify their support to and defense of the criminal politicians? Since these corrupt politicians are sure to be ignominiously rejected by the electorate if and when the elections are held, the only way they can get back to power is only on Indian and international support. Hence, the pressure. What more glaring proof does one need of naked interference in the internal affairs of a small, poor and weak nation? What Nepal needs imperatively, at the moment, is restoration of peace and normalcy by successfully rooting out the terrorism she is being plagued with. Since, India has always played an important role in Nepal's internal affairs and more so, at the present juncture, and even some powers are towing her line, she has assumed greater importance. As matter of fact, we too have been always emphasizing that India's unstinted cooperation is indispensable to solve the Maoist problem in Nepal. But, it is very unfortunate for Nepal to see that India's role is proving "curiouser and curiouser". India's two in one policy of the witch and witch doctor has always kept the chasm of distrust wide despite all kinds of rhetorics from the statesmen of both countries. Adding fuel to the fire, the powerful Indian media never misses any opportunity to keep on rubbing, which has virtually destroyed Nepal's tourism industry. (One sample from the Statesman of July 14, 2005, New Delhi issue). In one of its leaders, the renowned daily writes, "The King is a taskmaster but does not have the reputation of being a man of principle." This is perhaps one of the mildest sacrilege against our Head of State. Either we are blissfully unaware or criminally tolerant of Indian intentions, which is sure to brand us as big fools or quislings. If we want to survive we have to put in even more effective publicity to counter the sinister move. And we must utilize to the best use our friendship with countries who are willing to help us. If we cannot use their friendship in times of need, who is to blame? Even more important, if we want to avoid becoming a quasi independent sovereign state its for King Gyanendra to stand firm. However, he must have realized by now that no other person has a greater stake than him on the final outcome of his gamble. As such, it is a time when he indispensably needs the support and supplication of all patriotic Nepalis rather than that of a handful of unscrupulous politicians who play puppet in alien hands. As these are extraordinary times only extraordinary measures can work effectively and only extraordinary persons can give extraordinary performances. Consequently, he has to be more judicious in choosing his aides and use his own discretions. At such a time, as the head of the government, he just cannot afford to live in the ivory tower and must be easily accessible. And he should not even imagine of changing horses in the midstream. Because of the horses will swim out but the carriage with the occupants inside will sink. Despite the fact that truth and criticism are seldom sweet and palatable, we do venture to tread on this dreaded track as we can never stoop to sycophancy. But, we know, if taken in right spirit, criticisms can always prove to be a soothing panacea. And we also know you can only take the horse to the water, you cannot make it drink.