I’m fascinated by the story behind the death of the royal family. And at every opportunity, when in conversation with a local, I will ask for their point of view. In 2001 the the very popular ruling royal family were disgracefully wiped out while relaxing in the gardens at the palace here in Kathmandu. The official story claims that the prince, distraught at his parents nonsupport for his chosen bride, cracked and machine gunned them all down before shooting himself. To think that he also shot his beloved siblings as well doesn’t sit comfortably with the man in the street. Nor does the implausible notion that he turned the machine gun on himself – physically very difficult. Nobody I have talked to believes this is true. Apparently up to 100 people were killed, including relatives. To eliminate suspicion, the near dead prince was made king for 24 hours before he was declared dead. The next inline was the King’s brother, who became king and ruled for a short and unpopular time. Those of the family not killed on that day mysteriously died in ‘accidents’. The talk on the street is that the brother was involved and possibly backed by India and even the Nepalese government. The news was devastating to the people here. It’s scarred into their conscious. They prey that one day the truth will come out.
When the communist Maoists gained a voice in parliament, the Royal institution was abolished and the evil King banished to India with untold wealth no doubt. He apparently resides now back in Kathmandu. His son has been jailed in Thailand for drugs. It’s a sad sad story that eats at the people here but they have far greater problems to worry about right now. Life here is as up and down as the landscape. And now, India is behaving very badly towards Nepal like they have for eons. Nepalese are suspicious of India’s intentions but feel powerless to do anything. My impression is that India wants to do to Nepal what China did to Tibet. The Nepalese government is weak and corrupt and nobody has any respect for it. The courts are corrupt. Even taxi drivers display a high level of understanding of these things. The people aren’t stupid, just tired and preoccupied with survival. It makes our system of government and law shine in comparison. I feel for Nepal and hope that one day they get a government strong enough to resist the bullying tactics of its neighbors. China may ironically be the white knight in Nepals favor. A smart government would play China and India against each other. Although, people say China is too close to India for that. Drive a wedge between them I say.
That’s my rant for the day.
angusmccoll 