As the President of the Nepal Association of Northern California, I write on behalf of the 1500 to 2000 Nepalis in the San Francisco Bay Area. We are shocked and saddened by the tragic events at the Palace. We extend our heartfelt condolences to our countrymen back home in Nepal.Our thoughts are with you. 

Namaste. Nilamber B. Shrestha
Oakland, CA USA

I have been profoundly shocked and depressed. I could not stop myself when tears dropped from my eyes every time I read the news. If fact Nestor, my seniour UN house mate in this country, noticed that as I could not stop my feeling. I cried not because I had anything to do with that family, but for the country whose last hope was rested on him, the late King Birendra. He was a nice good gentleman and true son of Nepal, we lost him. He was more than a father to me and to every Nepalese, I put him above everyone, more than my own father. 

Being away from home under this UN assignment in this another measurable nation of friendly people and being as an ordinary person, I can't do much at the moment. But I do have a dream. I have not distracted myself to what I have committed to our country ever since I began my struggle on their behalf. I will not give up and will never let people to loose hope in believing that there are no true sons of Nepal. I am one of many true sons who are still alive and are doing whatever possible under any difficult circumstances. If needed, I will no longer wait to return home to do whatever I can. I will do it until I take a last breath. 

Now, I truly believe that Nepal must go to a Republic System. Let the monarchy system end for forever. Let the people choose the king "President" of their own choice by selecting the one on whom they can trust as much as they love to him or her. We need a change. Let there be a referendum. We must create a nation where we and our children can, once again for forever, can live in great harmony and peace. I believe that we can overcome. 

Gyanendra Ghale
UNICEF Country Coordinator
Solomon Islands

I join your countrymen in mourning the tragic loss of your king and queen and other members of the royal family. I had the opportunity of living in Kathmandu several years ago and learned to love the country and its people. My prayers are with you. 

Barbara Kaplan

The following was issued by Nepali Association in Canada mourning the sudden tragic death of Their Late Majesties:

"It was a great shock and a massive tragedy…" Says NAC President Krishnadev Bhattarai, "And so difficult to comprehend the shocking news of the sudden death of our late King Birendra and the late Queen Aaishwarya." 

For many Nepalese Canadians living in Toronto and surrounding area, the unofficial news that first came yesterday was just unbelievable. Now that it confirmed, everybody is shocked and saddened. The Nepalese Canadians are mourning the tragic death of their beloved late King Birendra and late Queen Aaishwarya. 

In Nepal the King is always held as a symbol of unity in diversity. Being a nation of mostly Hindus, the King is also considered as the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. Besides being a King, he was a lot for many Nepalese. He believed in democracy. He was always keen to uplift the socio-economic conditions of his people. The Nepalese people loved him from their heart. The late King Birendra will be known down the generations for many of his contributions: for his dedication to the development of the country, for his role in reestablishing democracy in Nepal, for a legacy of being liberal in his views and his soft-heartedness. 

Late King Birendra’s death is an irreplaceable loss as well a national tragedy for Nepal. We as Nepalese Canadian should stick together in a time of a crisis like this and pray for the well being of Nepal. The late King and the late Queen were big part of Nepal’s political and prestigious history. A tragedy like this breaks many people’s hearts. The Nepalese Association in Canada (NAC) with its officers, board of directors, members and all the Nepalese Canadians living in Toronto and area mourn together the death of the late majesties – King Birendra and Queen Aaishwarya - and of other members of the royal family as well who died in that un-fateful incident. We send our deep heart-felt condolences to Prince Gyanendra at the Royal Palace. We pray that the departed Royal Souls rest in peace.

To the people of Nepal -

Your grief can be felt across the thousands of kilometres to our home in Australia. We have fond memories of our visits to Nepal in past years, and we were shocked to hear of the tragedy which has befallen your royal family and figureheads. While we have had no relationship with the king and queen personally, we know how much they meant to Nepal's people. May your country continue to grow and prosper and see hope beyond the present's immeasurable grief. Our condolences to the remaining members of the royal family and their friends.

Louise Schofield and Graham Hilton 
(and our children Courtney and Zahra Hilton)
Perth, Australia

PRESS RELEASE

NEPAL ROYAL FAMILY MASSACRE - KANCHI SANKARAYA EXPRESSES SHOCK

Chennai, June 2, 2001: Kanchi Sankaracharya Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal today expressed shock over the sudden assassination of the Royal Family of King Birendra in Nepal.

The Kanchi Seer said in a statement today that the entire world was shattered by the sad news of the unprecedented assassination of a royal family in recent times.

Receiving with disbelief the news of the massacre of the royal family, the Kanchi seer sent his heartfelt condolences to the people of Nepal.

The Kanchi seer said the rising incidence of violence in various countries pointed to the fact that any such thing could happen as evidenced by the brutal massacre of the royal family.

" Sabko sanmati de bhagwan". Just as this popular adage says god give good sense to all human beings, let good sense prevail on even the perpetrators of violence in this world so that they can be reformed.

The Kanchi seer said the grace of Lord pasupathi should ensure the stability of the Himalayan kingdom at this critical juncture as well as the continuance of the royalty in Nepal. 

Ends

Press Release issued by K. Srinivasan, Prime Point
Public Relations, Chennai 
(Media coordinator for Sri Kanchi Mutt at Chennai) 

staying aboard and hearing the most sad  news made me stunned I  can feel the pain to all  nepalies and pray to GOD  to give the power to  tackle in this type of  condition to every  nepali brothers and  sisters .

Sunil Pradhan

June 02, 2001
New York,USA
Statement of mourning and condolence!

We all Nepali living in USA, are shocked and shattered by the unbelievable and unfortunate news. On behalf of Nepali community, Alliance for Democracy  and Human Rights in Nepal, USA expresses heartfelt pain and sorrow in the  unfortunate news of Royal Massacre and sudden loss of our King and Queen,  other members of the Royal family and others assistent. 
We are deeply saddened and traumatized by this unfortunate incident and we  mourn together with all of you. In this moment of national mourning, we share  and express our prayer, bhajan, and request for tranquility and calm. This is  very tragic, difficult and unfortunate moment for all of us and for our  nation. In this difficult time, we all have to come together, maintain calm  and patience and pray for their departed souls in rest, eternal piece and  salvation.
We understand how shocked and how shattered we all are; we have to continue ahead with this sad history. So, all should unite, and help to maintain peace and stability in the nation. The government and its all bodies should be  united, be more responsible, transparent and all people must be provided with  all truthful information's in timely manner. 
We hope democratically elected government and all its bodies will work  together and continue maintaining piece and stability.  In solidarity with members of the  Bereaved royal family and Nepali People   Alliance for Democracy and Human Rights in Nepal, USA

Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
Royal Government of Bhutan
Thimphu
2 June, 2001
Press Release

The people and Government of Bhutan are deeply shocked and saddened with the passing away of His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, Her Majesty Queen Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah, and other members of the Royal Family and Household. On behalf of the people of Bhutan, His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck sent messages of condolences to the Royal Family, people and Government of Nepal. Messages of condolences were also sent from H.E. Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Head of Government to H.E. Mr. Girija Prasad Koirala, Prime Minister of Nepal and from H.E. Lyonpo Jigmi Y. Thinley to H.E. Mr. Chakra Prasad Bastola, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal. 

His Majesty King Birendra was a source of great strength and inspiration to his country and was deeply loved and held in the highest esteem by his people. His Majesty was also widely admired for his contributions in promoting understanding and cooperation in our region, and his passing away is not only a loss for Nepal but for the region and the world. 

His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev enjoyed the highest respect and was greatly admired by the Bhutanese people not only as an enlightened leader of his people but also as a world leader and statesman. As a close friend and neighbour, the people of Bhutan shares Nepal's great loss and join them at this hour of sorrow. A prayer ceremony and offering of a thousand butter lamps, presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo and the central monk body, was performed at the Tashichhodzong today. His Majesty the King, Their Majesties the Queens, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, members of the Cabinet and senior officials of the Royal Government, participated in the prayer ceremony. Bhutan has declared that a state mourning will be observed for three days. During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout the country and Bhutanese missions. All public functions have been cancelled during this period.

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