Curtailed security prevents King from visiting temple, hospital

Kathmandu, Sep 5 (UNI) Suspended king Gyanendra could not attend religious and social programmes, which used to be traditionally attended by kings in the past, held in Kathmandu yesterday, media reports said.

The King, who lost his political powers last year and was gradually cut off from his privilege of attending social and religious functions, could not attend the Maternity hospital's anniversary function and Shri Krishna Janmashtami programme, the 'Kantipur' said.

"Palace officials requested the home ministry to arrange security for the king's visit to the Indra Rajya Laxmi Prasuti Griha (Maternity hospital) and Krishna Temple in Patan, marking the Krishna Janmashtami," Kantipur quoted official as saying.

However, the government refused to provide security for the king.

The maternity hospital was founded 48 years ago in memory of King Gyanendra's mother, Indra Rajyalaxmi, who died during maternity.

Palace official Sagar Timilsena had informed the hospital about the king's interest in attending the function but the hospital authorities rejected the idea, Kantipur quoted Hospital director Dr Sudha Sharma as saying.

"We told the palace official that we cannot welcome the king but we won't stop him from visiting the hospital informally," said Sharma, adding, "The king's interest was rejected citing security reasons and taking into consideration the changed context".

The government on Monday refused to provide security for the king's visit to the Krishna Mandir in Patan, and the prime minister visited the temple in his place to receive the offerings.

The Prime Minister's Office, the home ministry and the Kathmandu CDO received the palace request for security but all of them rejected.

The king, who took over power sacking elected government and ruled as an autocratic ruler, was forced to hand over power to the elected representatives and his power has been cut off completely and now limited to the royal palace.

The future of monarchy will be decided by the constituent assembly election to be held on November 22.

UNI