Anti King demonstrations continue in Nepal

Kathmandu, Apr 15: Rejecting the call for dialogue by King Gyanendra in his new year message, anti monarchy demonstrations continued across the country.

Demonstrators shouted slogans like 'Gyanendra leave the country, down with autocracy' and also slogans in favour of Lokantra or Republic System.

Dozens of democracy supporters were detained from various parts of the country during the peaceful demonstrations.

Over a dozen protesters of Non Governmental Organisations were arrested in Kathmandu today. Dozens were also arrested from various parts of the country including over three dozen in Baglung district in western Nepal.

Professional organisations have also taken out rallies in support of the seven parties, which are demanding the end of King Gyanendra's autocratic rule since he seized all powers in February last year removing the elected government.

Demonstrations are being held across the country and thousands of people have come to the streets on the last few days.

Hundreds of people have been injured and more than 2,300 have been arrested and among them more than 1,000 are still in custody.

The Nepalese security forces have been condemned nationally and internationally for the excessive use of force during the peaceful demonstrations.

The leaders of the major political parties have said that the King has not addressed the burning issue of the country in his new year message.

The King has not even mentioned about the ongoing demonstrations, in which four people have been shot dead and hundreds have been injured, curfew defied in the capital and across the country, they alleged. Nor has he mentioned about the maoist insurgency problem, they added.

''There is so much violence and bloodshed going on and people are protesting all over the country demanding restoration of people's sovereignty but he is acting as if nothing has happened,'' leader of the CPN, UML KP Sharma Oli said.

The movement of the parties is being supported by professional organisations like doctors, lawyers, journalists, teachers,civil servants, non governmental organisations and international communities.

UNI

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