Wednesday, April 27 2005 19:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Voicing deep concern at the re-arrest of former Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, India today (Apr 27, 2005) said that such acts were "contrary" to assurances given by Kathmandu and would "further complicate" efforts for a reconciliation between political parties and the Constitutional Monarchy in Nepal.

New Delhi also indicated that no decision has yet been taken on resumption of Defence supplies to Nepal.

Deuba, sacked by King Gyanendra in February, was arrested early today from his residence in Kathmandu on alleged graft charges, a week after he refused to appear before a royal anti-corruption commission.

Government is "deeply concerned" at the arrest of Deuba, who is leader of the Nepali Congress (Democratic), External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said in New Delhi.

"We are also concerned that the arrest and detention of political leaders, student leaders and workers of political parties continue, as do the restrictions on travel and movement of some academicians, human rights activists and students, contrary to assurances conveyed to us," he said.

Gyanendra had assured Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during their meeting in Jakarta on the margins of the Asian-African Summit last week that he would work towards restoring multiparty democracy and lifting of emergency in a phased manner.

"We believe that these developments would further complicate efforts for a reconciliation between political parties and the Constitutional Monarchy in Nepal," Sarna said.