Employees at Singhdurbar arrested, demonstrations continue

Kathmandu, Apr 18 (UNI) Three journalists and over two dozen government employees, who were raising slogans in support of democracy movement in Singhdurbar, were arrested as the anti King demonstrations continued across the country for the thirteenth day today.

Security personnel forcibly stopped the demonstration organised by the employees of various offices of Singhdurbar, the central secretariat of the country's government, including the home ministry and Prime Minister's Office and arrested over two dozen employees.

Three journalists of Kantipur pubications and Kantipur TV, who were there to cover the demonstration were also arrested, reports said. The driver of the vehicle carrying journalists was also arrested.

Meanwhile, Indian ambassador Shiv Mukherjee and US ambassador James Moriarty met former Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa today.

The Indian and US ambassador, along with Mr Thapa, had met the King recently.

There is overwhelming support for the movement launched for the restoration of democracy since February last year, when King Gyanendra seized power from the elected government and became chairman of the council of ministers.

In addition to the government employees, people of all walks of life including doctors, journalists, lawyers, teachers and general public have come to the streets demanding the end of autocratic rule of King Gyanendra.

UNI XC AD PC1747