Nepal police fire on protesters, wounding eight

KATHMANDU, Apr 22: Nepali police opened fire on protesters marching towards the centre of the capital today, wounding at least eight, witnesses said.

Tens of thousands of anti-monarchy protesters defied a curfew and were marching in the direction of the palace as a seven-party alliance rejected overtures by the king to form a government.

Police opened fire in two places, one only a km (half a mile) from the palace. Truckloads of armed police ringed the city centre as the marchers, young and old, many carrying branches and red flags, were dispersed, only to try to regroup.

Two were injured by gunfire and two by tear gas in one attack, witnesses said. Six were wounded by gunfire in the attack nearer the palace.

REUTERS

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