Over 400 arrested in Nepal during anti-King demonstration

Kathmandu, Apr 6 (UNI) The royal Nepalese government today arrested more than 400 people including senior politicians during a strike called by the seven-party alliance demanding restoration of democracy in the Himalayan Kingdom.

Supporters of the seven parties took out rallies in various parts of Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts including Asan, Samakhushi, Gongabu, Basantpur, Kalanki, Baneshwor and Chyasal shouting slogans against King Gyanendra.

More than 400 leaders and supporters including Sujata Koirala, Meena Pandey, Shashank Koirala, Mohan Chandra Adhikari, Shashi Shrestha and Jagrit Bhetwal were arrested from various parts of the city, the parties said.

The police had to fire tear gas shells and resort to baton charge to disperse the demonstrators in Lalitpur district, party leaders said.

Security has been beefed up in the capital city to control the demonstrations.

The government has banned public gatherings in Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts and imposed night curfew to control the agitating parties, who are struggling to end the autocratic rule of King Gyanendra since he grabbed power in February last year.

UNI XC AK HT1908