Monarchy may fall if democracy is not restored: Ambassador

Kathmandu, Apr 20 (UNI) While the anti-King rallies are at its peak in Nepal, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom Keith Bloomfield said the monarchy may fall if complete democracy is not restored in the mountainous nation.

''If the King doesn't act immediately...the constitutional monarchy may no longer be on the table,'' the BBC quoted Mr Bloomfield.

''We believe the complete restoration of democracy is an essential first step,'' he said.

Thousands of people today came to the streets here, defying curfew and ban and demanded the end of the autocratic rule of King Gyanendra.

Meanwhile, three people have been killed and 100 others were injured when security forces indiscriminately fired at the peaceful demonstrators in Kalanki here.

Most of the injured were shot at the head and the condition of 12 of them is said to be very critical.

Police then seized the bodies of those killed from Model hospital in Kathmandu this evening.

The parties have said they were encouraged by the participation of the people. More than 1,00,000 people participated in today's demonstrations here. However, the parties said the participation was more than that.

Meanwhile, there was huge demonstration in Chitwan today. This was the biggest demonstration in Chitwan and more than 1,50,000 participated in the demonstration, local reporter of the BBC said.

Huge demonstrations were also taking place in Pokhara, Biratnagar and all other major cities.

The 18 hour long curfew in the Kathmandu valley has been extended until tomorrow morning.

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