just for the references.................. 1959: New constitution promulgated, leading to first general election; centrist Nepali Congress party wins absolute majority. 1960: Nepali Congress leader B P Koirala heads first popular government; his policies are opposed by King Mahendra, who dismisses prime minister, bans political parties and takes over direct control of the government. 1972: Mahendra dies; is succeeded by his son, King Birendra. 1990: Ban on political parties lifted, constitutional monarchy ushered in. May 1991: Girija Prasad Koirala of Nepali Congress takes office as first popularly elected prime minister in 30 years. July 1994: Koirala quits after defeat in parliamentary vote. Feb 1996: Maoists launch insurgency; seek communist republic. Jan 1999: Birendra dissolves parliament. June 1, 2001: Birendra, Queen Aishwarya and other royal family members are killed by Crown Prince Dipendra, who then shoots himself. June 4: Gyanendra is crowned king. July: Maoist rebels step up violence. Sher Bahadur Deuba becomes prime minister, heading 11th government in 11 years. July 23: Deuba announces peace with rebels, truce begins. Nov 21: Maoists say talks have failed, truce is no longer justified. Nov 23: Gyanendra declares state of emergency, government declares Maoists "terrorist organisation". Oct 4, 2002: Gyanendra sacks prime minister Deuba and assumes executive power. Staunch royalist Lokendra Bahadur Chand named PM. May 30, 2003: Chand resigns after protests by political parties demanding King appoint government with their nominees or revive parliament. June 4: Gyanendra appoints royalist Surya Bahadur Thapa as PM. May 7, 2004: Surya Bahadur Thapa quits after weeks of protests. June 2: Gyanendra reappoints Deuba prime minister. Feb 1, 2005: Gyanendra sacks government, assumes power himself.