Kathmandu, April 14 -- UML has objected to former king Gyanendra Shah's recent New Year message, criticising his remarks as an attempt to undermine the achievements of the republic and glorify violent acts.

At a secretariat meeting held at the party's central office in Chyasal on Monday, UML leaders reviewed Shah's video message released on Sunday, in which he praised what he described as the growing "public awakening" among Nepalis. The party interpreted the comments as a veiled endorsement of violent incidents at Tinkune.

Video journalist Suresh Rajak and a Kirtipur resident Sabin Maharjan lost their lives while scores of others sustained serious injuries during the protest organised by pro-monarchy forces at Tinkune, Kathmandu on Mar...