Asian Centre for Human Rights has welcomed the announcement of Nepal King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah to hand over power to the seven parties alliance with immediate effect. In a statement released in New Delhi, Suhas Chakma on behalf of the ACHR demanded that all political prisoners who have been jailed in last two weeks, should be released forthwith.

• King Gyanendra restores democracy in Nepal

"ACHR welcomes the royal proclamation of handing over power to the seven parties alliance," the statement said.

"It is a historic day for democracy in Nepal. However, without establishing the Constituent Assembly, the handing over of power to the alliance will not resolve the root cause of the crisis in Nepal, which is the Maoist conflict. It is an opportunity to resolve the Maoist crisis once and for all," stated Chakma.

He appealed the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoists) to refrain from all forms of hostilities and start meaningful negotiation for participation into the political mainstream.