Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has demanded that the state of emergency imposed in the country be ended immediately and democratic rights of the people be restored.

Addressing a press meet at his residence at Budhanilkantha in Kathmandu, Saturday, Deuba also demanded that all the leaders and cadres of various parties be released.
Criticizing the February 1 development, Deuba said his party would launch agitation along with four other opposition parties until people’s constitutional rights are restored.

Deuba also appealed to Maoists to give up violence and take part in what he said restoring multi-party democracy in the country.

His Majesty King Gyanendra had sacked Deuba for the second time on February 1. His government was dismissed for the first time in October 2002 “for recommending postponement of parliamentary polls due in November, the same year.”