118 inmates released, other details

November 9, 2002
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Altogether 118 prisoners were released Saturday from various prisons after commuting their remaining jail sentences coinciding with Constitution Day, the Department of Prison Management said.

Nepal’s second multi-party constitution was promulgated 12 years ago. Maoists fighting for a communist state are demanding elections  for a constituent assembly to draft a new constitution.

As Nepal’s  two largest political parties, the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML say King Gyanendra acted unconstitutionally in dismissing Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba by assuming executive powers after invoking Article 127 of the constitution October 4, the monarch defended his action Saturday in a message to the nation.

“As everyone is aware, an inability to develop a character, conduct and commitment in conformity with democratic values and norms resulted in increasing aberrations which not only made the objectives of the Constitution unachievable but also led to constitutional difficulty,” the King said.

The King expressed his commitment to the ideals of the constitution and called for consensus to resolve the issue. The King squarely blamed the politicians for the country’s current crisis.

Protests are planned Saturday for the royal action. Major donors have noted the King’s commitment to multi-party democracy and constitutional monarchy. nepalnews.com br Nov.9