Nepali parties pledge non-violent campaign against king

"On May 22 we will be launching a nationwide demonstration against autocracy," the opposition said in a statement.

"From that point, our peaceful and non-violent programmes against autocracy will continue until our goals are fulfilled. The movement will be well managed, disciplined and result-oriented."

King Gyanendra sacked the government, suspended civil liberties and took power February 1, saying the move was needed because squabbling political parties had failed to end a Maoist insurgency that has claimed more than 11,000 lives since 1996.

In a rare show of solidarity last weekend, the seven parties called for the restoration of democracy and parliament rather than immediate elections, saying it was impossible to hold a fair vote due to the Maoist insurgency.