Wednesday, June 14 2006 10:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Nepal's seven-party Government yesterday (June 13, 2006) released over 190 Maoist rebels who had been lodged in different jails in the Himalayan country under anti- terror laws imposed by the former regime of King Gyanendra.

The cases registered against them under the Prevention Prevention of Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (POTA) Ordinance have been withdrawn, a Home Ministry offical said.

Over 60 of the rebels were released from Nakkhu Jail in Lalitpur district near Kathmandu.

They include student leaders and trade union activists.

They were among Maoists who walked free from prisons in nine different cities and towns across the country.

More detainees are in the process of being released, according to officials.

Release of all the political prisoners was one of the main demands of the Maoists to move ahead with the peace process.

The release comes a day after government announced that anyone jailed under POTA would be freed.

A cabinet meeting headed by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala Government yesterday had decided to withdraw all cases against the rebels. It also decided not to pursue further investigations against the cadres facing charges under the anti-terror law.

The release also follows the first direct talks between Maoist chief Prachanda and Home Minister Krishna Sitaula, who is also the government's chief peace negotiator.