Former Nepal king Gyanendra wishes countrymen on Ashtami

Nepal's deposed king Gyanendra Shah today extended greetings to his countrymen on the occasion of 'Maha Ashtami', asking them to ensure social harmony and help resolve the political instability plaguing the country.
"We need to find the right destination for us through social harmony and political coordination by taking note of the changed context," said the former king who had suffered a heart-attack recently.
Unlike in the past, Gyanendra will not offer 'Tika' or red vermilion mixed with curd, on the forehead of citizens during Vijaya Dashami due to ill health, according to sources close to the former king. He had to undergo angioplasty following the cardiac arrest.

Gyanendra wished that "Goddess Durga would shower blessings, strength, intelligence and right motivation for everyone to find a path of lasting social order, rule of law and prosperity."
He also expressed concern over the unfavourable monsoon and natural disasters that hit many parts of the country.
"This year's monsoon was also not favourable for us and we are still affected by the sad destruction (caused by) floods and landslides," he said.

Gyanendra expressed dissatisfaction over the state of politics in the country and underlined the need for all "to move forward by forging understanding with the inclusion of all the regions, groups and communities of the nation".

Political instability has plagued Nepal since the end of the civil war in 2006.
Politicians have yet to agree on a new constitution - a key part of the peace deal with the Maoists - and are at odds over proposals to divide Nepal into states, along ethnic lines.