There are thousands milling in the streets of Nepal—politicians, activists, professionals, common people—defying curfew and braving bullets to make their stand against monarchy. But King Gyanendra has refused to heed the counsel of his subjects and the world community which wants democracy restored and human rights respected. The Royal Nepal Army and the security forces have loyally trampled the rising voices in favour of democracy. In the past 10 days since an indefinite strike began in Nepal, at least five people have been killed and more than 2,500 injured in skirmishes.

In October 2002—15 months after ascending the throne following the assassination of his brother, King Birendra—Gyanendra took on executive powers, ostensibly to control the violent Maoist rebellion. However, in February 2005, he usurped all powers and has since refused to yield to demands for a constitutional role for the monarch.

With Gyanendra remaining inflexible, the movement for the restoration of democracy is slowly turning into an anti-monarchy juggernaut that could see the overthrow of the 237-year Shah dynasty, of whom Gyanendra is the 13th incumbent.

The King’s moves came at a time when the country was caught in spiralling violence perpetrated by Maoist insurgents fighting to create a communist republic through armed revolution. The rebellion has taken a toll of 13,000 lives and at a huge cost in terms of infrastructural damage.

The Seven-Party Alliance for Democracy (SPA) and the Maoists agreed in New Delhi recently to fight together to end absolute monarchy. But the SPA—a front of seven major political parties—is wary about a formal coalition with the Maoists so long as they continue to use violence as a political instrument. The King called for a dialogue on April 14 and hinted at polls. But Gyanendra, it appears, has lost the trust and respect of the politicians, the rebels and the populace.

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