Anti-King protest continues in Nepal despite curfew

Kathmandu, Apr 10 (UNI) Thousands of Nepalese people came to the streets today demanding the end of autocratic rule of King Gyanendra despite curfew imposed for five days so far across the country.

Democracy supporters chanted slogans against the monarchy and in favour of complete democracy in the curfew imposed streets of Kathmandu, where royal government tried to control the demonstration imposing curfew.

The seven parties, which organised the four day general strikes to press King Gyanendra to return democratic rights, decided to continue the strike for an indefinite period of time until 'democracy is restored.' There were reports of demonstration in various streets of Kathmandu including in Kirtipur, Koteshwor, Gongabu, Jorpati, Bashundhara chowk, Buddhanagar, Thamel, Chhetrapati, Banashthali, Ason, New Road, Bangemuda, Kalanki, Sita Paila.

The demonstraors clashed with security forces, who were patrolling the streets with armoured vehicles to control the demonstrators.

Demonstrators in Bhaktapur, Madhyapur Thimi and Lalitpur also defied the curfew demanding the end of King's rule.

The seven political parties, which favour constitutional monarchy, are under pressure from party supporters and professional organisations not to compromise with the King.

Human rights organisations have said that the security personnel used excessive force to quell the demonstrations, firing rubber bullets and baton-charging the protesters. Scores of protesters were injured today.

In many places, security personnel entered private houses and indiscriminately charged batons injuring dozens, local media reported.

Dozens of injured protesters were taken to TU Teaching Hospital and Bir Hospital.

The seven parties said yesterday that the movement against ''unconstitutional autocratic monarchy'' wouldn't be stopped unless complete democracy was restored in the country, gave continuity to its nationwide general strike today.

In Kapan area of Kathmandu, a large number of people participated in the funeral procession of 'regression' blowing conch shells.

Police opened indiscriminate fire at a protest rally taken out by the Engineers' Association, Pulchowk today.

Curfew has been defied in Pokhara, the second largest city of Nepal, Chitwan, Dang, Dhangadhi and other major cities and towns of the Himalayan nation.

Security personnel shot dead three persons in Chitwan, Banepa and Pokhara in the last three days.

This is the first time that the people have come to the streets defying the curfew since 1990 that saw similar demonstration which ended the 30 year direct rule of the King.

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