December 29, 2001

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said Saturday late King Birendra will be remembered for his immense faith in multi-party democracy and nationalism. The King who died June 1 in a shoot-out at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace was keen on Nepal’s development, he said.

The King “fully respected the constitution during his lifetime” after it was promulgated in 1990 following a popular movement, Deuba said. The late King would  have celebrated his 57th birthday Saturday.

The entire family of the King was wiped out in the June 1 carnage; others killed were Queen Aishwarya, Crown Prince Dipendra, Prince Nirajan and Princess Sruti; 10 royal family members and relatives were killed in the unprecedented carnage.

Prince Gyanendra, the brother of the King, ascended the throne for the second time in 50 years. The late King’s birthday is being celebrated Saturday throughout the nation even in his absence.

Crown Prince Dipendra started the shoot-out.