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Bulletin #28: Former Nepali Prime Minister Koirala Released

April 3, 2005: The government on Friday afternoon released Nepali Congress president and former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala from house arrest after two months. The Home Ministry said a total of 258 people were released across the country Friday.

The 82-year old congress veteran was arrested soon after the royal move of February 1.

Welcoming the Koirala’s release, former minister and leader of the NC Bipin Koirala urged the government to release other political leaders and cadres, among others, immediately.

Meanwhile, Kathamandu based Indian embassy has also welcomed the release of. G.P. Koirala.

Government of India welcome the release today of Mr. G.P. Koirala, President of Nepali Congress and respected senior political leader, who had been under detention at his residence, the statement issued by the Indian embassy said. “We hope that this step and the earlier release of Mr. S.B. Deuba, President, NC (D) will be followed by the immediate release of UML General Secretary, Mr. Madhav Kumar Nepal, and other political leaders and workers, human rights activists, student leaders, media personnel and civil society representatives presently detained under emergency provisions,” the statement read.

“India calls for the removal of all curbs on civil liberties and fundamental rights and the lifting of media censorship and restriction on movement to enable the people of Nepal to enjoy their legitimate constitutional and democratic rights. We believe that this would pave the way for the beginning of a process of reconciliation between the constitutional forces leading to a restoration of multi-party democracy,” the statement added.

It has always been our conviction that a broad national consensus is necessary to address the serious challenges confronting Nepal. India will continue to support all efforts in this direction, the release said.

INSN is the International Nepal Solidarity Network, which has activists in over a dozen countries around the world who are working to bring democracy to Nepal. Visit their website for regular updates related to the Nepal crisis.