Parties to defy curfew in Kathmandu today

Kathmandu, Apr 20 (UNI) The pro-democracy seven-party alliance in Nepal has said it will defy the 18-hour-long curfew imposed in the valley today with thousands of people taking to the streets to protest against the autocratic rule of King Gyanendra.

The government has imposed curfew in Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and in the capital from 0002 hrs to 2000 hrs (local time) to defuse demonstrations by the political parties which are being supported by people from all walks of life.

People will march forward and defy the curfew imposed by the royal government, leader of the CPN, UML Ishwor Pokharel said.

''To protest peacefully is the fundamental and natural right of the people,'' said Krishna Prasad Sitaula, a senior leader of the Nepali Congress.

''The ban and curfew orders are undemocratic and unconstitutional. We will disobey and will hold our peaceful protest programme.'' The seven parties have said they will mobilise 3,000 volunteers to manage the demonstration being today.

The parties have said that the people will gather in ring road areas and march to the city centre. However the government has imposed ban on political rallies and protests within ring road and 200 metres outside the ring road as the movement gained momentum during the last few days.

Huge rallies are being taken out in the capital city and almost all the cities and towns of the country.

The demonstrators have been demanding the end of monarchy and have warned the leaders not to hold talks with the king and make any compromise.

The seven parties have said the return of the people's sovereignty, revival of the House and the Constituent Assembly election are the minimum demands.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the CPN, UML Madhav Kumar Nepal and General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, Ram Chandra Paudyal, who were released yesterday, said that the movement would not stop until complete democracy is not revived.

UNI XC PR HS1011