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Release
Prime Minister Deuba and other political leaders of Nepal
New Delhi:
Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) expressed concern at
the dismissal of the Sher Bahadur Deuba government and declaration
of emergency by King Gyanendra of Nepal today and appealed
for the release of all the political leaders including Prime
Minister Deuba who are in “protective custody” of the Royal
Nepal Army personnel after being put
under house arrest.
The Royal Nepal
Army personnel have also surrounded the Prime Minister's residence
and the homes of other political leaders. Kathmandu has been
disconnected from the rest of the world as land and mobile
lines have been cut. The Kathmandu airport has also been closed
according to unconfirmed reports. With
the declaration of emergency, the government has effectively
suspended all civil liberties including the right to freedom
of association and peaceful assembly.
“The
dismissal of the Sher Bahadur Deuba government reconfirms
the fear that has been looming large in Nepal since the inauguration
of the Raj Parishad, Royal Council, on 9 December 2004 by
King Gyanendra that His Majesty is all set to take over power
and become executive King. This is a clear misuse of the Article
127 of the Constitution of Nepal and international community
must not any longer make excuses for its refusal to intervene
with the King". - stated
Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights.
While the deadline of January
13th for the Maoists to enter into talks and attempts to reach
consensus among the political parties to hold elections have
failed, it does not justify dismissal of the Sher Bahadur
Deuba government. King Gyanendra who ruled through a succession
of Prime Ministers had failed on both counts and therefore,
had to reinstall Sher Bahadur Deuba.
ACHR appealed to the South
Asia Association for Regional Cooperation to go ahead with
the 13th summit scheduled to be held in Dhaka on
6-7 February 2005, though Article 3 of the SAARC Charter requires
that the heads of the governments must be present, and ensure
restoration of democracy in Nepal for finding a solution to
the Maoists crisis.
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