(Unofficial translation)
At a time when the nation was looking for dialogue and national consensus for peace, democracy, and progressive reforms, we were shocked by the Royal Proclamation of February 1, 2005 and subsequent regressive actions, which came as a climax to the retrogressive act of October 4, 2002. This unconstitutional and dictatorial act of the King is a naked attack on the democratic rights of the people and their right to be ruled by their own representatives. As a result, the country is now under a regime which is completely devoid of transparency and accountability. In our considered opinion, this will worsen the violent conflict, and further disturb peace and national unity.
No problem can be addressed without democracy. Democracy is the prerequisite for peace. Therefore, we strongly denounce the royal step which will lead to further crisis. And we appeal to all political parties, popular forces and general masses to participate in a united way and support a peaceful movement which will oppose the king's unconstitutional and autocratic action, with the objective of establishing peace, ensuring sovereign rights of the people and initiating progressive reforms. In this context, we demand the withdrawal of the Royal Proclamation of February 1, 2005, an immediate lifting of emergency, removal of all unconstitutional restrictions on fundamental rights, and release of all detainees to establish a democratic government.
All acts of violence and terror must come to an end. No problem will be solved with such methods. We reiterate our continuing stand that the problem of violent conflict in the country can be solved and peace restored, only through meaningful dialogue.
To mobilise strong public opinion in support of the above-mentioned demands, we announce the following programmes:
We heartily appeal to all peace and democracy loving people throughout the world to support and express solidarity to the anti-authoritarian struggle of the Nepalese people.
Signed by Bal Bahadur Rai of Nepali Congress, Jhala Nath Khanal of Nepal Communist Party (UML), Bijay Kumar Gachchhedar of Nepali Congress (D), Chitra Bahdur KC of Janmorcha Nepal and Bharat Bimal Yadav of Nepal Sadvabana Party (Anandi Devi).