NEW DELHI, April 2: India on Friday welcomed the release of a senior Nepali politician and hoped more steps would he taken soon by Kathmandu, a sign that the 13th Saarc summit, by the Delhi-Kathmandu row was being resolved. “The government of India welcomes the release today of Mr G.P. Koirala, President of Nepali Congress and respected senior political leader, who had been under detention at his residence,” an official statement said.

“We hope that this step and the earlier release of Mr S.B. Deuba, President NC(D) will be followed by the immediate release of UML (communist) General Secretary Mr Madhav Kumar Nepal and other political leaders and workers, human rights activists, student leaders, media personnel and civil society representatives presently detained under emergency provisions.”

India also called for the removal of all curbs on civil liberties and fundamental rights and the lifting of media censorship and restrictions on movement to enable the people of Nepal to enjoy their legitimate constitutional and democratic rights.

“We believe that this would pave the way for the beginning of a process of reconciliation between the constitutional forces leading to a restoration of multi-party democracy.

“It has always been our conviction that a broad national consensus is necessary to address the serious challenges confronting Nepal. India will continue to support all efforts in this direction,” the statement said.