Nepal: King Gyanendra Might Stage a Comeback!

--DR. ABDUL RUFF

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As a consequence of recent demonstrations in Katmandu in support of the deposed king Gyanendra recent demonstrations in support of the deposed king Gyanendra himself has expressed for the first time in about 4 years his desire, rather clam, to return to power in the Himalayan kingdom.

Nepal's deposed king, Gyanendra, has said that he wants to return to the throne. Gyanendra said that he had made an agreement six years ago with his country's political parties that he would be a constitutional monarch but the new regime did not let him so. His move comes at a time of political turmoil in Nepal. A constituent assembly was recently dissolved after failing to reach agreement on a new constitution. Fresh elections are planned for November, but in the meantime Nepal is in a political vacuum..

The new democratically elected red government abolished the monarchy in 2008. And the king Gyanendra, who lost power,  had retired into his palace in the thick forest when democratic forces replaced him. The former king said he did not want to be active in Nepal's politics, but did want a largely ceremonial role.

In a rare interview, the former monarch, now known as Gyanendra Shah, told News 24 that he had been forced to make an agreement with opposition parties in 2006 after weeks of anti-government protests. "This included the reinstatement of the dissolved parliament, the appointment of a prime minister from among the parties, and restoration of constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy," he said. He said that the parties would have to answer for their behavior.

Many ordinary Nepalis are also frustrated with the failure of their politicians to make progress on key issues like unemployment. It is unclear how many would see the return of the king, even in a ceremonial role, as a welcome development.

Gyanendra's return to power may not be that easy now, notwithstanding the popular demonstrations in his favor. The incumbent rulers are not going  to let him resume power either. However, if India and China come forward to promote  aristocracy that would be a different story all together. But India has already lost interest in Nepal with the communists taking over power. The Nepalese rulers do not even take  any advice even from Indian communists because the Indian regime uses them for its own advantage. As far as China is concerned it promotes red regime in Katmandu. Beijing has already established close political and military links with Nepal.  

Nepal's relations with China have been positive for decades now.  Nepal takes Chinese position on Tibet issue. China says Tibet was always part of its territory. Tibet enjoyed long periods of autonomy before the 20th Century. China launched a military assault in 1950. Opposition to Chinese rule led to a bloody uprising which began on 10 March 1959. Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, fled days later and crossed into India on 31 March 1959. Nepal is hoping to attract more Chinese investment - and eventually create a trans-Asian highway that will cut through the Himalayas, linking China to India and opening up this secluded country.

A small stretch of road - just 17km (10.5 miles) long - from the border to the Nepalese town of Syabrubesi is costing the Beijing government almost $20m. But it's an important investment because this mountain pass not only connects Tibet to Nepal - it's also the most direct land route to India's capital, Delhi. The road will make a huge difference to communities on both sides of the border. Traders still walk the old path that runs alongside the new road - an ancient thoroughfare across the roof of the world that connects Nepal to the historic Silk route.

Silk Route has been the major target of NATO terror gangs in attacking both Afghanistan and Pakistan. It looks China is either trying to overtake the NATO or aiding it.

Squeezed between the growing economies of China and India, the Nepalese government welcomes this sort of infrastructure project that it hopes will bring wealth to an impoverished nation. The Nepalese government is keen to maintain a good relationship with China, its giant neighbor to the north. Nepal is home to a sizeable Tibetan community, many descended from refugees who've been fleeing Chinese rule since Beijing occupied Tibet 60 years ago.

China is worried that opening up the border could enflame an already unstable Tibetan plateau. Nepalese Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal said he has reassured Beijing that his government will not allow Tibetan dissidents to operate in his country. "China has only one concern, that is the concern of Tibet," he says. "That is why our policy towards China has been consistent. We believe in the One China policy, Tibet is an integral part of China and the soil of Nepal will not be allowed to be used against Tibet and China." Nepal will need to continue to reassure China even after this road is finished next year.

King Gyanendra still hopes he can return to power and city palace!