His Majesty King Gyanendra who arrived in Itahari, Sunsari district, on an unofficial visit to the Eastern Development Region on Friday gave instructions to newly appointed chairmen and vice-chairmen of District Development Committees (DDC), asking them to work actively towards ensuring peace and security to the people and expedite development programs.

“The country and the people do not want terrorism, all the newly appointed local body officials should work in a coordinated manner to give assurance of peace and security to the people,” government’s official mouthpiece The Rising Nepal today quoted His Majesty as saying. “Our wish is that you all work by making people the focal point of all programs.”

Giving further directives, the King said: “Your appointments have been made with the objective of carrying out people-oriented programs by acknowledging their plights and difficulties.” “Our wish is that you all work by making people the focal point of all programs.”

The King stated that his February 1 move was aimed at curbing terrorism and restoring peace in the country.

Chairmen and vice-chairmen of DDCs in Mechi, Koshi and Sagarmatha zones had received collective audience with the King. The King also instructed them to give full shape to the DDCs at the earliest.

Asking the security forces to ensure peaceful environment and make necessary security arrangements for development projects, His Majesty said: “We believe that you would encompass all sides while launching development programs and would also ensure that the task is done without any prejudice.”

Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) chief General Pyar Jung Thapa, Eastern Regional Administrator Jagdish Khadka, Koshi Zonal Administrator Rana Bahadur Chand, District Development Committee Chairman Shankar Dulal, police and administrative heads had welcomed His Majesty when he arrived at the Eastern Divisional Headquarters of the RNA Friday afternoon, reports said.

This is His Majesty’s fist visit to districts after his February 1 takeover.