Nepal's King Gyanendra has lifted the state of emergency imposed when he seized absolute power in February.

The royal palace gave no specific reason for the decision Saturday, other than saying it is in accordance with the constitution.

The announcement came hours after King Gyanendra returned from a trip to China, India, and Singapore, where he was urged to restore democracy as soon as possible.

King Gyanendra dismissed the government on February 1, suspending most civil liberties and placing the media under military control.

A number of former ministers and opposition politicians have been jailed.

He said the government failed to put down a Maoist rebellion which has killed more than 10,000 people since 1996.