It also urged the international community to use all diplomatic means to persuade the Nepal government to step down and see the writing on the wall.

The call was made in a joint statement by SAHR Chairperson and former prime minister of India I K Gujral and Co-chair Asma Jahangir.

The statement called upon all democratic forces in the region to mobilise their support behind the struggle of the people of Nepal and denounce the dictatorial position taken by those in power.

"The struggle for restoration of democracy by the Nepalese people and political parties is an admirable achievement," it added.

SAHR is convinced that the rule of monarchies, dictators and autocrats must end in South Asia so that millions of South Asians can live in peace, prosperity and dignity, the statement said.

Expressing deep shock at the killing of activists by law enforcement agencies, the human rights body called upon all governments in the region to urge the King of Nepal to end the brutalisation of Nepalese citizens.

The statement said the situation has worsened over the months because of the refusal of royalists to respect the fundamental rights of citizens by usurping all power.

The present system of rule by monarchy should no longer exist as more lives will be lost if royalists retain their illegal power, it observed.