Government employees join pro-democracy movement

Kathmandu, Apr 7 (UNI) Employees of state run banks, telecommunications and electricity offices have joined the general strike called by the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) from today.

Employees Unions of Rastriya Banijya Bank (NRB) have brought work to a halt in support of the general strike called by the seven parties for the restoration of democracy.

Employees of the bank and other financial institutions assembled at the Singha Durbar, the central office of the state run commercial bank and chanted anti-government slogans. They were joined by the Telecommunication employees and those working in the electricity offices who also halted work.

Health workers at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital organized a silent rally and protest programme at the hospital premises demanding early restoration of democracy in the country.

Doctors expressed full solidarity to the pro-democracy movement and announced that they will protest on Sunday as well. The protest programme was jointly organized by the Employees Union, Doctors' Association, Nursing Association and Nepal Professors Association.

Meanwhile, more than 200 supporters of the seven parties were arrested today from various parts of the country, the parties said.

Demonstrations were carried out in various parts of the capital city Kathmandu defying the ban imposed by the government.

The protestors clashed with security personnel and tear gas was fired to control the agitators.

More than two dozen people were injured in the clashes.

Demonstrations were also held in Pokhara, Chitwan and other parts of the country.

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