Kathmandu, Nov 09: Candle-light vigils and protest rallies by mainstream political parties demanding restoration of an elected government marked the 14th anniversary of introduction of present Constitution in Nepal, as the government released 144 prisoners on the occasion. King Gyanendra, whose sacking of Prime Minister Deuba's government in October last year triggered the present political crisis, called for peace and unity among the political factions to "relieve the country of its present uneasy situation."

In similar vein, Prime Minsiter Surya Bahadur Thapa said the government was committed to restoring peace and order in the country. Observing that elections were the only way to end the present political stalemate, he said the government was focusing its attention on holding elections soon.

He said election to local bodies would be held in the "near future" so as to expedite development in the nation.

The government functions were, however, boycotted by the opposition parties who organised their own functions to celebrate the enforcement of the 1990 Constitution under which Nepal became a constitutional monarchy with multiparty democracy. While the Nepal Communist Party (UML) held a protest rally and meeting in the capital, the Nepali Congress organised a candle-light procession in Ratnapark, Kathmandu.

The government today set free 144 prisoners across the country on the occasion, sources in Department of Prison Management said.

Bureau Report