Nepal's third king in four days received the royal Shah dynasty crown and was enthroned yesterday amid rioting outside the stone courtyard of a centuries-old, intricately carved palace.
The pageantry was marred as thousands of youths protesting across the city, demanding an explanation for the bloodbath that put Gyanendra, brother of slain King Bidendra, on the throne.
Two people were killed and 19 injured during confrontation between police and angry residents.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Thousands of mostly young men marched, chanting "Dipendra is innocent" and "Punish the real murderers." Others yelled: "We don't want Gyanendra."
Many shouted that they did not believe that the former Crown Prince Dipendra, who was king while on life support for two days before he died yesterday, had carried out the shootings, as claimed by government sources. Others blamed the new king for the murders.
Police declared a 4pm to 5am curfew after an emotionless Gyanendra became the king of Nepal, following the death of his nephew Dipendra.
Hundreds of soldiers, police and armed riot police stood guard across the city as a royal entourage marched through the streets, with King Gyanendra in a wooden chariot drawn by cavalry soldiers atop six horses.
Thousands of people lined the route, from the ancient Hanumandhoka Palace, where Gyanendra became king, to the Narayanhiti Palace, the royal residence where nine royals were shot dead on Friday night.
Few cheered or raised slogans hailing the new king. Most stared in silence as the horses trotted by and did not even raise their folded hands in the traditional Hindu greeting of respect.
Nepali people say King Gyanendra's image cannot match up to that of his older brother. Public opinion is also stacking up against him due to frustration over the secrecy surrounding the killings and rumors about who might be involved.
Protesters carrying placards or shouting slogans were pushed back by armed riot police in several side streets leading to the route of the entourage.
"We are not feeling good, but we respect the monarchy," said Rajkumar Srestha, a teacher who had tears in his eyes as he walked toward the Narayanhiti Palace minutes after the king rode in.
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