2. Misconceptions about Nepal - the Nepalese royal massacre

Nepal’s political history has been a turbulent one. The Nepalese Royal Massacre in 2001 left political unrest that created social and economic instability. The media perpetuates the widespread belief that Crown Prince Dipendra killed nine members of his family, and later committed suicide. Military and government officials also insist that the queen’s disapproval of his choice of a wife triggered the massacre. 

The Nepalese royal family

But King Birendra and his son Dipendra were popular and respected among the locals – the official report evoked much local suspicion. Some blame the king’s unpopular younger brother, Gyanendra, who might have wanted to secure the throne by eliminating his nephews. Is it too much of a coincidence that while the entire families of Birendra and Dipendra were killed, all of Gyanendra's family survived?

 

From left: King Gyanendra and King Birendra 

 Locals are sceptical towards official reports based on the claims of royal members. Moreover, the razing of the palace destroyed all physical evidence, hindering investigative attempts. Raktakunda, a novel chronicling the royal mystery, posits that two men impersonating as Dipendra perpetrated the violence, raising further doubt.

 The incident exacerbated the political uncertainty. Nepal’s has diverse (over 200) ethnic groups, a socially divisive caste system and large refugee populations from Tibet and Bhutan. Amidst such turbulence and fragmentation, the popular King was a significant symbol of unity and stability. Nepalese frustration manifested in riots that exacerbated social and political tension. Tourism declined, further worsening the already impoverished economy.

 However, in retrospect, Gyanendra’s direct, undemocratic rule may have brought about a faster route to democracy. Since the 2006 democracy movement against his rule, civil dissent and international pressure have led to the abolishment of the monarchy and creation of a federal republic.

 But political stability has yet to be achieved – following the turbulent transition to democracy, Nepal is now fraught with violent protests that hinder political and social progress.

Police open fire against Kathmandu political protestors