Message from the King of Nepal on Democracy Day - 2002-02-19

In his traditional message on Democracy Day from the royal palace in Kathmandu, marking the transition from absolute monarchy to parliamentary system in Nepal in 1990, the King of Nepal called for the extension of the state of emergency by Parliament. The King stated that concerns regarding peace and security, political stability, and governance are increasing day by day. He mentioned that Nepal is transitioning from a phase of vulnerability and that the three-month state of emergency he approved last November should be extended. The state of emergency was established to assist the armed forces in their expanding battle against Maoist insurgents. Since the beginning of these conflicts six years ago, more than two thousand citizens of Nepal have lost their lives. Following Maoist attacks in western Nepal last Saturday and Sunday, the Nepalese government has found itself in a precarious position. These attacks were the deadliest operations by Maoists since the start of their armed rebellion. The King's statements could assist the Prime Minister in securing a two-thirds majority vote from representatives, the necessary majority for extending the state of emergency. Some parliament members claim that the government has ignored warnings about imminent attacks, and angry representatives have disrupted parliamentary proceedings several times. The Maoist insurgents, who consider the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong and the Shining Path guerrillas of Peru as their inspirations, dedicated the last two days of the weekend to attacking facilities and individuals to commemorate the anniversary of their rebellion.