Former King Gyanendra in Rajbiraj

 Former King Gyanendra Shah has arrived in Rajbiraj district this afternoon in connection with his visit to the central and eastern Tarai region .

The former monarch arrived here at noon amid stringent security along East-West Highway from Simara, Bara.

Though he was scheduled to worship at the Shambhunath Temple, the former King went directly to New Green Star Hotel in Rajbiraj after student organisations affiliated to various political parties protested his visit since morning.

Hundreds of his supporters had waited at the Shambhunath Temple as he was scheduled to worship there.

His supporters welcomed him with bouquets of flowers as soon as he entered Rajbiraj town.

Earlier last night, student organisations had vandalised welcome gates put up in honor of the former King. Security was tightened since early morning after the vandalism and arson the other night.

Shah is scheduled to worship at the various shrines of Makawanpur, Bara, Parsa, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Mahottari, Dhanusha and Siraha district during his two-week visit .

Earlier, Shah had returned to the capital after his son Paras Shah was seriously ill and was undergoing treatment at a Thailand-based Hospital. This is the continuity of that visit , sources close to the former King said.

Former King Gyanendra had vacated the Narayanhiti Palace, traditional abode for the Shah Kings, in 2008 following the declaration of republic by the Constituent Assembly.

Labels: National News