[JURIST] A ban on public gatherings, night-time curfews and other restrictions in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal [JURIST news archive] capital, has been lifted by government officials. Nepalese officials have also lifted a ban on mobile phone use and released senior opposition leaders from house arrest. Nepal's government implemented the restrictions last week in anticipation of expected large-scale demonstrations; despite the bans, police and pro-democracy protesters clashed[JURIST report] in the city Saturday over upcoming elections, claimed to be undemocratic and engineered only to keep in power King Gyanendra [BBC profile; TIME interview], who took control of government operations [JURIST report] last February. Nepal Information Minister Shrish Sumshere Rana said the restrictions were lifted because security had improved and that the elections would be held "no matter what." Another major opposition rally in the capital is planned for Tuesday. BBC News has more.