KATHMANDU, Feb 19: Former King Gyanendra Shah, in a message on the eve of Democracy Day, has pointed out the need to protect national unity and identity, calling on public support for prosperity and progress of the country.
Saying that all Nepalis should unite in nation-building, he urged everyone to correct past shortcomings and move forward towards making Nepal stable, prosperous and strong.
“It is necessary for all citizens to unite for the defense, progress and prosperity of the country,” he said, “If we want to save the nation and maintain national unity, we call on all countrymen to support us for the prosperity and progress of the country.”
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He commented that democracy has not been able to win the trust of the citizens and has not become the system of governance anticipated by the people. He added that the significance of democracy should not be limited to words and slogans but should be seen in practice.
In the message, Shah recalled the contribution of the king and the people together to strengthen democracy and said that for democracy to succeed, the identity of all classes, communities and individuals must be protected.
“Politics that adopt a prohibitive approach does not strengthen democracy,” he said. “The arrogance, personal interests and dogmatism of the parties and the opposition cannot make democracy dynamic.”
The former king expressed serious concern about the current situation in the country, citing the economic crisis, exodus of manpower and weakening of national identity.
“The sweat of Nepalis is flowing abroad, not in their own land,” he said, “Nepali citizens are forced to move forward with the burden of debt from birth, and educational institutions and businesses are becoming weak.”
