Demonstration and violence continues despite curfew

Kathmandu, Apr 9 (UNI) One person was killed and more than 36 injured today when police opened fire at pro-democracy demonstrators in Nepal on the fourth day of nationwide general strike called by the seven political party alliance.

One protestor was killed and three injured, one of them seriously when security forces opened fire to control the agitated mob at Satdobato Chowk, Banepa this afternoon.

Despite a curfew in force, thousands of protesters demonstrated in the entire Kathmandu valley.

Pro-democracy activists clashed with the police at Ghattekulo, Gongabu, Kalo Paul, Koteswore, Chabahil, Mahankal, Maitidevi, Kalanki, Kirtipur, Suryabinayak areas of the Kathmandu valley.

The Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) was mobilised in the streets of Kathmandu after Police failed to control the situation.

Demonstrators, chanting anti-King slogans demanding restoration of complete democracy in the Himalayan Kingdom, defied the 13-hour-long day time curfew imposed from 0700 hrs. They also burnt tyres and vandalise the office of Rastriya Prajatantra Party led by Home Minister Kamal Thapa.

More than 72 protesters were arrested from various parts of the Kathmandu valley.

The situation was tense in Chitwan after a woman, who was injured in Police firing died today. Thousands of protesters took out rallies in Shahid Chowk, Pulchok, Lions Chowk, Paras Buspark and other areas defying the curfew order. Over a dozen people have been arrested while dozens others were injured in clashes with police.

The seven parties alliance, which represented more than 90 per cent of the seat in the dissolved parliament, have said that the movement is aimed at ending the autocratic rule of King Gyanendra.

Mobile phone services remained disrupted in a measure seen aimed at scuttling demonstrations.

Security remained tight with soldiers and armed police patrolling the streets and armoured personnel carriers mounted with heavy machine guns stationed at some intersections.

Nepal, which has been battling a bloody Maoist revolt for a decade, was pushed deeper into turmoil after King Gyanendra grabbed power in February 2005, saying political parties had failed to crush the rebellion which has killed thousands.

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