Maoists' govt to probe palace massacre in Nepal: Bhattarai

Shirish B. Pradhan

Kathmandu, June 13 (PTI) A day after Nepal's deposed
king quit his Kathmandu palace, a top Maoists leader said
Thursday that the government will probe the 2001 palace
massacre in which the entire family of former King Birendra
was killed in mysterious circumstances.

"After the formation of the Maoist-led government a
probe commission will be formed to investigate into the palace
massacre as the Nepalese people want an independent body to
enquire about the incident," Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist
deputy leader Baburam Bhattarai said.

"The former king said in his statement on Wednesday
that he had no role in the massacre and if it was true, the
probe commission will help him clear the accusation," the
Maoist leader told mediapersons today.

The controversial report submitted by the official
probe commission has held crown prince Dipendra responsible
for the massacre on June 1, 2001, though its credibility has
been questioned by many.

Bhattarai also said the new government will probe
whether the deposed king has any foreign bank account.

Gyanendra has rejected the allegation that he has
deposited money in foreign bank account while addressing a
press conference before leaving the palace Wednesday.

The former rebel said the C.P.N.-Maoist has welcomed
the former king's statement issued Wednesday in which he has
expressed the willingness to serve the country and work for
national unity and welfare of the people.

Bhattarai denied the allegation that the Maoists have
any attachment with their weapons but claimed that it was
because of their arms that Gyanendra was forced to vacate the
Narayanhiti palace so soon.

Gyanendra became King in tragic circumstances when his
nephew Dipendra killed most of his family, including the King
and Queen, after being prevented from marrying the woman of
his choice. Dipendra then shot himself, leaving Gyanendra to
ascend the throne. Many believed Gyanendra had plotted the
palace massacre to become King.

Last month, Nepal's 601-member constituent assembly,
dominated by the Maoists, abolished the 240-year-old monarchy,
converting Nepal into the world's newest republic.

The unpopular deposed monarch Wednesday moved out of
the Narayanhit palace, which is now set to become a national
museum, featuring the former king's crown and sceptre.

Gyanendra, considered by many Nepalese as an
incarnation of Lord Vishnu, has agreed to abide by the
assembly's decision.

Maoists leader Bhattarai Thursday thanked Gyanendra
for his remarks that helped in the smooth transition to a
republic, saying we are ready to forgive him if he does not
indulge in hatching new ploy to help regressive forces.

"A new era has begun," Bhattarai said, adding
"Nepalese people should be proud of this."

Bhattarai, who accompanied Maoist chief Prachanda
during his meeting with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala
Thursday in a bid to end the deadlock over the formation of a
new government, was hopeful that a solution would be found
soon.

"We are close to a deal and a Maoist-led government
will be formed within a week," he said, adding "We have called
on Koirala to pave way for forming a new government and his
response was positive."

Bhattarai also welcomed the Nepal Army chief's remark
that only qualified Maoist combatants will be recruited in the
military.

"It is natural that only qualified people would be
merged into the national army," Bhattarai stressed.

The former rebel leader underlined that the Maoists
would be flexible in building a consensus to end the present
deadlock. He said consultations are on within the major
parties and the C.P.N.-Maoist was ready to cooperate to find a
way out.

"Cooperation and coordination among parties that
helped to declare Nepal a republic was essential until a new
constitution is drafted," Bhattarai stressed. PTI