December 11, 2001

KATHMANDU: King Gyanendra said Monday the Maoists must disarm and join the national mainstream. “The objective of the army is not meant to kill but to disarm the Maoists who must lay down their arms and join the mainstream of national life,” King Gyanendra told Bhola Rana of Nepalnews in an exclusive 90-minute interview.

“The action should be brief, purposeful and complete. As a King, I do not want my subjects to fight each other,” he said. “The army is not on the offensive but on the defensive They have been told to hold on to their positions.”

The King said the government has received international support for the emergency declaration and the army action. “Friends have given their support and understand our compulsions. I call this practical friendship. In this way, our friendship is much closer,” the King said.

Nepal is receiving international military support, he confirmed. “But they must not give me more than I can utilize and sustain,” he said. “India has been very co-operative. They understand it is not in their interest to have a destabilized Nepal.”

The King talked about the June 1 Narayanhiti Royal Palace massacre, the family, Crown Prince and a host of other subjects. “Crown Prince is much more dutiful. He understands the load he has to bear now. He is taking it very well and responsibly,” the King said.

The reduced members of the royal family after the June1 shoot-out are helping each other. “We are now but a few. We try to help each other. I do not have anybody to talk to. I lost my brothers. We were very close. We discussed everything. I now get solace from my mother. She is a fortress of strength for me,” the King said.

Fourteen royal family members and relatives were killed or injured in the shoot-out started by Crown Prince Dipendra. The King said he could not cry when he was crowned on June 4. “Who knew what I was feeling when I was being crowned? I could not shed one tear,” he said.

The King said he will not travel abroad until a self-imposed one-year mourning period for his brother, King Birendra. “I will not travel abroad for one year. It will not be appreciated. The healing process takes time after such tragic happenings,” the King said.

“I would still like to be in the jungle that I love. I did not conspire to become king,” he said.