India, Sept. 9 -- As Nepal grapples with its worst political unrest in years, former King Gyanendra issued a rare public statement Tuesday expressing sorrow over the deaths of young protesters and calling for peace, good governance, and restraint from violence.

The statement, released through the royal press secretariat, came a day after deadly demonstrations against a government ban on social media platforms and mounting public anger over corruption left at least 19 people dead.

The former monarch, who was dethroned in 2008 after a popular movement abolished the monarchy, paid tribute to those killed in the protests, offered condolences to their families, and wished for the speedy recovery of the hundreds injured.

"It is extremely tra...