Nepalese should find peaceful solution: Karan Singh

Kathmandu, Apr 20 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Special Envoy Karan Singh said the problems of Nepal should be resolved through peaceful process by Nepalese themselves.

According to a press release issued by Indian embassy here today before his departure to India, Dr Karan Singh stressed the need of unity of constitutional forces in Nepal, with the objective of urgently restoring multiparty democracy in the country in order to overcome the crisis that Nepal is faced with.

''He has conveyed India's readiness to support all efforts towards this end while emphasising that a lasting solution to the problems of Nepal has to be found by the people of Nepal through a peaceful political process,'' the embassy said.

Dr Karan Singh met King Gyanendra this afternoon at the royal palace.

He also met leaders of major political parties including president of the Nepali Congress Girija Prasad Koirala and General Secretary of the CPN,UML Madhav Kumar Nepal among others during his visit to the Himalayan nation.

''The visit of the special envoy took place in the backdrop of the current political developments in Nepal, which have been a cause of deep concern to India and other members of the international community,'' the embassy said.

The visit of Dr Karan Singh was taken seriously as the King is under pressure from the political parties and the international community to restore democracy.

Thousands of people came to the streets here today defying curfew and demanding the end of the autocratic rule of King Gyanendra.

Three persons were shot dead and over 100 were injured when security forces opened fire at peaceful demonstrators at Kalanki, Kathmandu in the afternoon.

Democracy supporters have been warning the leaders not to compromise with the King and hold talks.

''We want complete democracy and end the autocratic rule forever,'' shouted the protesters.

Security has been beefed up in Kathmandu and other parts of the country and the streets are deserted due to the curfew.

The parties have already announced indefinite general strikes till the autocratic rule of King Gyanendra, who seized power in February last year from elected government, is ended.

The parties have been demanding the reinstatement of the House and formation of an interim government involving Maoists rebels and election of a Constituent Assembly to decide the fate of monarchy which has ruled the country for more than 240 years.

UNI XC ARB KN1844