Foundation demands fresh probe into Narayanhiti Palace massacre
Foundation alleged that a fair and credible investigation into the incident has still not been conducted, reflecting a serious failure of the state.
KATHMANDU: The Late King Birendra Peace Foundation has called for an independent and factual investigation into the Narayanhiti Palace massacre and for its findings to be made public.
Speaking on the occasion of the 25th memorial day of King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev on Tuesday, the foundation alleged that a fair and credible investigation into the incident has still not been conducted, reflecting a serious failure of the state.
Foundation General Secretary Ranjit Dhamala described the June 1, 2001 (Jestha 19, 2058 BS) royal massacre as one of the most tragic and mysterious events in Nepal’s history, stressing that the truth behind the deaths of King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya, and eight other royal family members has yet to reach the public domain.
“Even after 25 years, the failure to reveal the truth behind the palace massacre is a matter of grave concern,” Dhamala said, urging the government to conduct a thorough investigation and disclose the facts.
The foundation also demanded that the incident be officially recognized as a “Black Day” in Nepal’s history.
It further called for the revival of late King Birendra’s proposal to declare Nepal a “Zone of Peace,” which had received support from 116 countries but was never implemented.
The foundation argued that reviving the initiative could help strengthen peace, security, and social harmony in the country.
On the occasion, a special memorial program was also held at Birendra Chowk in Jawalakhel.
