Nepal's King suspends state of emergency

Nepal’s King Gyanendra today lifted a state of emergency he imposed after seizing power in February, apparently bowing to strong international pressure to restore democracy.

“His Majesty in accordance with the constitution has lifted the order of the state of emergency,” a brief palace statement said.

Gyanendra imposed emergency rule on February 1 after firing the government, taking absolute power and suspending civil liberties in a move widely condemned both within Nepal and internationally.

The surprising announcement did not elaborate on whether the end of emergency rule meant the return of elected government or civil liberties, but came after the king’s return yesterday from visits to China, Indonesia and Singapore, where leaders pressed him to restore democracy in Nepal.

Gyanendra met several leaders on the sidelines of an African-Asian Summit in Indonesia last week, including Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

The meeting with Singh was crucial, because India – a key source of arms for Nepal’s fight against a communist insurgency – suspended aid to Nepal after Gyanendra’s power grab.

Since the royalist takeover, hundreds of politicians have been jailed and protests against the king and his royal government have been banned.

After dismissing the government, Gyanendra accused its leaders of failing to conduct parliamentary elections and being unable quell the insurgency, which has raged since 1996. The king quickly formed a government under his chairman and hand-picked his close supporters as ministers.

He said he would maintain direct rule for three years.

Nepal has been in turmoil since Gyanendra, 55, suddenly assumed the crown in 2001 after his brother, King Birendra, was gunned down in a palace massacre apparently committed by Birendra’s son, the crown prince, who also died. Ten members of the royal family were killed.

The rebels, who draw inspiration from the late Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong, have been trying to overthrow the government and establish a socialist state.

More than 11,500 people have died since the fighting began.