Japan has condemned the resumption of Maoist violence and called for the early restoration of peace in Nepal. “It is extremely deplorable that an armed campaign by the Maoists has been resumed in the Kingdom of Nepal despite efforts being made to resolve issues through dialogue,” the official statement issued in Tokyo said.

Nepal’s largest aid donor hoped  “the actions taken by the government within the framework of the constitution “ will help restore normalcy as quickly as possible.”

In another development, domestic carriers have asked passengers to report 90 minutes before flight departure and travel with identity cards from Saturday following stiffer security checks at airports.

A special five-man bench of the Supreme Court also ruled Thursday it will pass judgment on pending writ petitions at the apex court despite suspension of article 23 of the constitution suspending fundamental rights for six months through a Royal Palace decree Monday.

The bench headed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Keshab Prasad Upadhaya ruled the suspension does not prevent it from passing judgment of pending cases.