Nepal’s King lifts state of emergency

King lifts decree Nepal's King Gyanendra has taken a step towards easing international pressure on him by lifting the state of emergency he imposed three months ago, but pressure at home shows no sign of abating.

Maoist rebels, whose insurgency was cited as a justification for emergency rule, appear to be escalating their attacks.

Gyanendra's political opponents say they are mulling how to turn up the heat - a sign that fierce tensions will continue in the Himalayan kingdom.

The King imposed the state of emergency on February 1, when he fired the Government and announced that he would directly rule the country for the next three years.