22 years since the royal massacre

Today commemorates the twenty two years of the Narayanhiti royal massacre, a tragic event that unfolded within the confines of the royal palace on the fateful evening of June 1, 2001.

For two decades, the full details and veracity of this heart-wrenching incident have remained shrouded in secrecy, as the true narrative of the massacre has not been unveiled to the public.

During the family gathering, the then King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya, Prince Dipendra, Prince Nirajan, Princess Shruti, Prince Dhirendra, Princess Jayanti, Princess Shanti, Princess Sharda, Kumar Khadka, and several other members of the royal family were mercilessly shot dead.

The official account presented by the Nepalese government stated that Crown Prince Dipendra was responsible for the royal massacre. According to the official narrative, Dipendra went on a shooting spree, killing his family members before turning the gun on himself. However, there have been some controversies and conspiracy theories surrounding the event, and some people believe that there may have been other individuals involved.

What were the motives behind the Nepalese royal massacre?
The motives behind the Nepalese royal massacre remain a subject of speculation and debate. The official account suggests that the massacre was the result of a dispute within the royal family, possibly related to Crown Prince Dipendra’s desire to marry a woman of his choice. Other alternative theories propose political motivations and involvement of external forces.

How did the Nepalese royal massacre impact Nepal?
The Nepalese royal massacre had a significant impact on Nepal both politically and emotionally. The event shook the nation and led to a period of mourning and instability. Crown Prince Dipendra’s surviving uncle, Gyanendra, ascended to the throne as the new king. The massacre also had repercussions on Nepal’s political landscape, as it contributed to the eventual abolition of the monarchy in 2008 and the establishment of a federal democratic republic.