Likely to meet Singh in Doha, King lifts ban on Indian TV channels

However, the Nepal One channel headed by Nalini Singh is still to be given permission to resume its programme. The network faces the charge of ‘‘encouraging Maoist terrorism’’ in the country.

The cabinet decision, a week prior to King Gyanendra’s visit to Doha for the G-77 meeting, is being seen as ‘‘proof’’ that he is keeping the promise he made to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the Afro-Asian summit in Jakarta two months ago. The two are expected to meet again at the G-77 conference. The King leaves for Doha on Monday.

While Singh had apparently pledged to restore supply of non-lethal weapons and other requirements of the Royal Nepal Army, he had been equally emphatic that India wanted clear steps towards restoration of democracy, early release of detained leaders and end to press censorship, besides resumption in full of Indian TV channels.

Wednesday’s cabinet decision was the first move to directly address Singh’s concerns. The King had announced lifting of emergency soon after his return from Jakarta but it made no difference to restrictions already in place.