The Hindu : Front Page : A serious setback to democracy, says India

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005

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Front Page

A serious setback to democracy, says India

By Amit Baruah

NEW DELHI, FEB. 1. New Delhi today described the seizure of power by King Gyanendra in Nepal as a "serious setback" to the cause of democracy and said it "cannot but be a cause of grave concern to India."

The Cabinet Committee on Security met here today to review the developments in Nepal. Senior External Affairs Ministry officials were in touch with the Indian Ambassador to Nepal, S.S. Mukherjee.

In a formal statement, the Ministry said it had received reports that several political leaders had been confined to their residences.

It added:

"The safety and welfare of the political leaders must be ensured and political parties must be allowed to exercise all the rights enjoyed by them under the Constitution.

"India has consistently supported multiparty democracy and constitutional monarchy enshrined in Nepal's Constitution as the two pillars of political stability in Nepal. This principle has now been violated with the King forming a government under his chairmanship.

"India has a longstanding and unique relationship with Nepal, with which it shares an open border, a history of strong cultural and spiritual values and wide-ranging economic and commercial links.

"We will continue to support the restoration of political stability and economic prosperity in Nepal, a process which requires reliance on the forces of democracy and the support of the people of Nepal."

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