Former King Gyanendra Behind Tinkune Incident, Will Face Investigation: Ishwar Pokharel

Kaski:  CPN-UML Senior Vice Chairperson Ishwar Pokharel has accused former King Gyanendra Shah of masterminding the recent violent incident at Tinkune in Kathmandu. Addressing a public awakening assembly organized by CPN-UML in Kaski on Saturday, Pokharel stated that Shah would be investigated and held accountable through due legal process.

“The Tinkune incident was orchestrated with the intent of inciting violence, destruction, and arson,” Pokharel said. “Former King Gyanendra was the mastermind behind it all. I want to inform everyone that he will now be investigated as per the proper legal process.”

Pokharel emphasized that aiding or promoting anarchism is unacceptable and that any attempt to push the country toward conflict and violence will be met with consequences. “Just like any other citizen who commits wrongdoing must face justice, the former king will also be held accountable,” he added.

Rejecting monarchy and hereditary rule as alternatives to democracy, Pokharel asserted that the only path forward is through advanced democratic values. He argued that Nepal’s development and improvement in living standards began after the fall of the monarchy. “Back then, the per capita income was just $251. Today, it’s over $1,400. We can’t ignore this progress,” he said, adding, “We must evaluate how far we’ve come by comparing the past with the present.”

On addressing public demands, Pokharel announced that the upcoming monsoon session of parliament will prioritize the endorsement of the Education Bill and the Civil Service Bill to address the concerns of teachers and civil servants. “The bills are already under discussion at the committee level. We aim to pass them in the first phase of the session. The government is committed to resolving these issues through dialogue,” he said.

The CPN-UML Kaski organized the gathering as part of its campaign to safeguard the democratic republic and constitution against regressive conspiracies. According to district chairperson Bain Bahadur Adhikari Kshetri, rallies were held from three different locations in Pokhara before converging for the assembly.

UML Standing Committee Members Kiran Gurung, Khagaraj Adhikari (former Chief Minister of Gandaki Province), and Thammaya Thapa also addressed the event.