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Protests on the streets of Kathmandu were because the people were "very, very, very upset" with the death of their King, who was "extremely loved and was popular", said Indian Ambassador to Nepal Deb Mukherjee on Wednesday.
"People find it very difficult to come to terms with this huge tragedy," he told a group of Indian journalists.
He cautioned against getting carried away by rumours, saying, "One has to be very careful."
He refused to comment on the reasons that led to the massacre and its fall-out. "Since it has become a contentious issue, I would say let us wait for the commission to publish its report," he said.
He also refused to comment on political developments, including withdrawal of opposition leader Madhav Nepal from the inquiry commission. "Nepal is going through a very, very difficult situation."
However, he said, "What seems to be emerging is possibly co-operation among political parties. You have to ensure that peace returns. I have indications to that effect." All political parties are in touch with each other, he added.
Mukherjee said the withdrawal of Madhav Nepal from the three-member commission "may not be the last word". The "story is not yet over, it is in the process of happening," the ambassador said.
"It would be extremely desirable for all political parties to be associated with such a commission," he said.
He clarified that the Indo-Nepal border was sealed by Nepal.
In the country side, he said there was a "tremendous sense of loss and distress" but no organised gathering, as in Kathmandu, following the massacre.
He said the embassy had opened a control room and a helpline, and if needed special flights would be operated, for Indian tourists stranded in Nepal.
On reports from New Delhi that the Indian government was confused in its approach to the new monarchy, he pointed out that India was the first country to mourn the death of King Birendra and his family, and to declare state mourning. He said that the statements of President K R Narayanan and Prime Minister A B Vajpayee were ample enough to show India's support for the new monarchy.
The ambassador Wednesday morning signed the condolence register at the Royal Palace.
Death of a Monarch: The Complete Coverage
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