King Gyanendra: Extended Interview — page 2

TIME: How important is international military assistance from the US, UK and India in the current conflict?
Gyanendra: I would prefer if you'd asked me, 'Should there be more.' We cannot view terror in hues and colors. It only has one color. Red, the color of danger. The government is grateful that so many countries are supporting us in this; the fact that their help could have been more expeditious is another thing, but no one wants to see a 'one-party proletariat state' in Nepal. And for the US in particular, we all know terror is their main agenda: so we are not surprised, because of the way terrorism is lifting its head in our country, that they are so forthright here.

But I can tell you that I am very proud of the way our security forces are conducting themselves on the minimal [equipment] they have. It's really shoe-string circumstances. But they're coping. That Nepali resilience is there.

TIME: What about the accusations, and documented cases, of human rights abuses by the armed forces?
Gyanendra: Well, I hope you will also mention the documented human rights abuses by the Maoists.

TIME: Yes. Actually, I've documented them myself.
Gyanendra: Then I would say we're learning. I will not say that there have not been remises. But at the same time, action has been taken against the violators. It may not be as quick as many people wanted, but there is a due process of law in these things.

But do you mean to tell me that earlier on, when other so-called governments of the day were in power, there were no human rights abuses? It's all cropping up [as an issue] now. But is it because the security agencies are becoming effective that these questions are being asked, or because they are failing? Is it success that is leading to this? In the case of the army alone, they were not deployed before 2001 and now they are. But which country does not have friendly fire, which does not have accidents? Many people have told me that the Fourth Estate is being unkind to the security agencies.

TIME: What happened on the night of June 1, 2001?
Gyanendra: I wish I knew. I was not here. I can only tell you what I have been told by surviving members of my family. The report that came out of the commission that investigated this clearly indicated who was responsible. I can tell you what happened. But I cannot tell you why. [The conspiracy theories] are nonsense, wild goose chases. If some people do not want to accept this, then it's a sad thing. And the people putting them out there are being cruel. It's offensive.

TIME: But given the unfortunate manner in which you came to throne, have you felt your acceptance by the country, your legitimacy, has been damaged?
Gyanendra: My question is, 'If the Crown Prince had lived, would the kingdom have accepted him, knowing all the facts. [Dipendra, the heir to the throne, lived in a coma for two days and was briefly crowned King before dying.] My whole, prime and first effort when I came to the throne was for the consolidation of the monarchy. From reports that I was hearing, there was a conspiracy to get rid of the institution.

TIME: How traumatized were you, was your family, by the massacre?
Gyanendra: I am a human being, after all. But we all show our grief, happiness and joy in different ways. And I had to conduct myself in a proper manner and tried to do that. There is a human face to every King, but that does not mean he has to flaunt it. And it was not only a tragic personal loss, it was a national loss. We personally lost a benefactor and the nation lost a noble King. It was a black spot on our history that will never be wiped out, but that's the reality of life that we have to face and we have to get on with the future.

TIME: Has it been lonely since?
Gyanendra: It is lonely. I miss my brothers and my sisters. But we have learned to cope. And I don't think it's that bad. What makes you think I don't have friends? What makes you think that because I meet you here I do not have a den? Many people have been there.

TIME: It must be uncomfortable though, living here, in the same palace where so many of your family died.
Gyanendra: I left this palace when I got married 30 years ago and I never thought I would have to occupy it again. It is difficult, but we have done the best we can. After all, it's the occupants that transform a house to a home and that's what we've been trying to do.

TIME: What's it like being a living god?
Gyanendra: I've been waiting for you to ask this. On the question of the living-god thing, let me interpret it this way: we were given the personification of Vishnu and Vishnu is the preserver of all things. And I'm glad that my role—the role I have to play—has been spelled out like that, just as it is in the constitution. But I'm a pragmatic and practical person. I've never said I'm God.

TIME: Do you think the monarchy, and Nepal's continuing feudalism, needs to reform in the 21st century?
Gyanendra: Yes. I do think we have to look at and adapt to society and culture. We need to be in keeping with the times. By that I mean all of Nepal should have the opportunity to progress irrespective of color, caste and creed. This needs to be put into practice.

TIME: Outline what you see in Nepal's future.
Gyanendra: With discipline, dedication and determination, prosperity.

TIME: What keeps you awake at night?
Gyanendra: I work hard enough to get a good night's sleep every night. But you know, there is a saying here: if the people are happy, the King is happy. And my fear is that we might be heading for a ditch if the people, their grievances and their betterment are not thought of. I put myself in their shoes every night. Why are these things not being addressed? If anything keeps my awake, it's that.

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	Living On the Brink [September 10, 2003] As Maoist rebels spread fear and violence across Nepal, the establishment in the once booming capital watches its world fall apart "The Military Solution is Next" [September 10, 2003] Interview with Nepal Prime Minister Suryabahadur Thapa Return to Year Zero [May 10, 2002] Nepal's Maoist rebels are murdering, beating, bombing and lootingÑall in the name of 'protecting the people' What Really Happened That Night? [June 11, 2001] The murder of Nepal's royals has the whole country demanding concrete, credible answers and some proof—to get a sense of national closure More Related Items | Search all issues of TIME Magazine