New Delhi:  Asian Centre for Human Rights today welcomed today’s proclamation by King Gyanendra to restore democracy and handover power to the Seven Party Alliance (SPA). 

“It is a historic day for democracy in Nepal. However without establishing the Constituent Assembly, the handing over of power to SAP will not resolve the root cause of the crisis in Nepal i.e. the Maoists conflict. It is an opportunity to resolve the Maoists crisis once and for all.” – stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights.

Asian Centre for Human Rights also demanded immediate and unconditional release of all political detainees arrested since 1 February 2005, withdrawal of the draconian Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Ordinance, and setting up a Commission of Inquiry to inquire into the human rights violations since 1 February 2005 including the violations of the right to life during the ongoing pro-democracy movement.

ACHR also urged the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoists) to refrain from all forms of hostilities and start meaningful negotiation for participation into the political mainstream.

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