The removal of emergency has been greeted by all with a sigh of relief. The UN secretary general, neighbouring India and others have expressed their satisfaction and urged the government to follow it up with further relaxation and restoration of democracy. Surprisingly, the reaction here in Nepal has been rather muted and for good reason.

Firstly, there are those who thought the emergency was working, at least inside the Ring Road. But draconian restrictions placed on freedom of movement and expression are still in place. Even though some important political figures have been released, the period of detention of many others such as Narhari Acharya and Lila Mani Pokharel have been extended by another three months. Cell phones have been partially restored but even landline phones of important political figures are still dead.

Logically, the lifting of the emergency should have automatically ended press censorship. But the notorious notification curtailing press freedom hasn't yet been withdrawn. News is still banned on FM. May Day and Word Press Freedom Day had to be celebrated in defiance of prohibitory orders issued by the district administration. The state of emergency may be officially over but it has left a bad hangover.

The gulf between what the government says and does is so wide that no one dares take any risk. This has created a crisis of confidence not only between the palace and political parties but also between the government and civil society. For a country mired in violent insurgency and international censure for human rights violations, such uncertainty is intolerable.

The government must go beyond symbolic removal of state of emergency. Local authorities need to be told categorically that fundamental rights have been restored. Freedom of the press must not only be guaranteed but ensured through an enabling environment. And remember, this time there are international monitors watching.

Finally, the process of reconciliation between constitutional forces can only begin with the rescinding of all extra-legal institutions created under the emergency provisions.

It is a long and winding road towards democratic, peaceful and prosperous Nepal. But there can be no turning back.