One day after the signing of the November 21, 2006 Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) between the Nepali government and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), Kathmandu鈥檚 The Himalayan Times editorial board declared, 鈥淣epal has entered into a new era of peace, democracy and governance.鈥 The CPA formally ended the more than ten-year conflict waged by Maoist insurgents since 1996. Over the next thirteen months, a new interim constitution was adopted, the royal family鈥檚 property was nationalized, and a republic was declared, dissolving the world鈥檚 last Hindu royal kingdom. National elections were held the following year. For hundreds of thousands of Nepalis, peace was a welcomed change. In the southern plains and hill regions, where much of the guerilla fighting had been concentrated, farmers were finally able to return to work.