Three political prisoners, detained after the February 1 royal takeover, were released on Monday—Nepali Congress CWC member Narahari Acharya, human rights activist Krishna Pahari and Basu Koirala, the general secretary of the student wing of the Congress. Some, including Acharya, attribute their release to the government’s fear of the possible fallout of Pahari’s announced fast-unto-death, others see it as the result of continuing international pressure. Whatever the truth, it was senseless on the government’s part to continue to detain them, except to indulge in sadistic pleasure, while top national political leaders had already been released. This little gesture does not, however, indicate the establishment’s desire to resume the democratic process and take steps towards the resolution of the political and constitutional problems. Those who had expected a distinct improvement in the condition of Nepal after October 4, 2002 and, even more, after February 1, are clearly disappointed. There is no sign of peace and security being restored anytime soon, to say the least — the very reasons given for the derailment of democracy becoming the casualty. Yet, all—the political parties, the Maoists, the international community and the holders of mature opinion—expect the initiative for conflict resolution and political reconciliation to come from the King himself.

The King has an opportunity to play a historic role at this critical juncture in Nepal’s history. None of the important forces, including the Maoists, are likely to object to a genuinely constitutional monarchy in any political settlement, because the Nepalis have not envisaged a situation beyond the monarchy. However, this goodwill and the continuing national deadlock cannot go together for a long time. Here lies the importance of statesmanship. As all signs show, the present state of affairs cannot last long, perhaps not even for three years, with all political forces being arrayed against the establishment and any doubts, if any, about its being popular or effective removed. There are valid fears that the establishment might lose this opportunity if the circumstances dictated a course different from what it would like it to be, with untold consequences.