Karan Singh briefs PM on Nepal crisis

Dr Karan Singh, special envoy of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to Nepal, said that King Gaynendra could make a major announcement by Friday evening that may lead to diffusing of the situation in the himalayan kingdom that has been witnessing violence and massive demonstration over the last couple of weeks.

Also Read Activists defy curfew to hold protests Nepal: King consults SC Return Nepal to democracy: US to king

Singh made this announcement after his meeting with the PM. "I told the prime minister about the meetings I had with the leaders of the seven political parties as well as the king while reviewing the situation. National Security Advisor M K Narayanan and the Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran were also present," he said.

Asked about the prime minister's response he said that Dr Singh merely hears out the person and does not say much on the matter.

He denied that he had cut short his visit or left Kathmandu more out of frustration. "First of all let me make it clear that I never get frustrated as I have seen five decades of politics. I had gone there only for two days. The first day was reserved to meet the leaders of the seven political parties and the second day the king himself.

I told the prime minister about what the king had said," Singh said but refused to elaborate when asked what were the king's views on the Indian initiative.

Singh said that even if the king were to announce appointment of a new prime minister and restore the parliament it could pave the way for easing the situation in Nepal. "I feel that this would help," he said.

He asked the media persons to wait till Friday evening for king's announcement.