Anti king demonstrations continue despite rain

Kathmandu, Apr 18 (UNI) Thousands of people took to streets for the 13 th consective day today across the Himalayan kingdom, braving the repressive measures by the police and adverse weather.

A large number of people defied the ban order to shout slogans against King Gyanendra and demanded the restoration of 'complete democracy.' Anti-king rallies were taking place in various parts of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and other parts of the country where thousands of people, professionals and family members of security forces participated.

Though the government has banned demonstrations within 200 metres of the ring road area, thousands of people came down to the streets demanding the end of the rule of the King, who seized power in February last year.

The demonstrators shouted slogans warning the leaders not to make any agreements with the king. They also shouted slogans in favour of Loktantra, or democracy without the king.

Government employees of the Prime Minister's office in Singhdurbar and various ministries also raised slogans inside the complex demanding restoration of democracy.

Senior officers and junior staff also joined hands and shouted pro-democracy slogans.

More than 100 people were injured following clashes with the police in Chabhil area yesterday.

Six people have been killed so far and over 1000 injured in recent clashes between the demonstrators and the police.

UNI XC SHR VD PC1514