Kathmandu: After lying low for months, Nepal`s former monarch Gyanendra made a public appearance on Thursday at a religious function in eastern Nepal, drawing loyalists and cadres of a pro-monarchy party.

Gyanendra, who returned to Nepal only last month after weeks of stay in India, inaugurated Bhabishya Puran Mahayagya, a religious function, at Jhumka in Sunsari district of eastern Nepal. The former king arrived at the Biratnagar Airport to be greeted by cadres of the pro-monarchy Rastriya Prajantra Party-Nepal and other loyalist groups.
Talking briefly to media persons, he expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation and expressed hope that "peace will soon prevail in the country". The visit came amid tight security.
Interestingly, activities of pro-monarchists have increased after Gyanendra`s return from India where he was attending a wedding ceremony.
The ex-monarchists also organised a tea reception in Kathmandu last week to observe the national democracy day. A pamphlet was distributed on the occasion that called for reinstatement of the constitution of 1990 which has provision of constitutional monarchy
PTI