Tension palpable in Nepal on eve of crucial SPA rally

Kathmandu, Apr 24 (UNI) Skirmishes between baton-wielding security personnel and pro-democracy protestors continued unabated in different parts of Nepal, ahead of the crucial seven-party alliance rally here tomorrow, amid apprehensions of a major showdown in the struggle for the ceding of full power to the people and franctic diplomatic bids to resolve the imbroglio.

Reports received here said over 15 people were injured when police baton charged and fired teargas shells to disperse the protestors near Narayan Gopal Chowk.

However, the security forces are also gearing up. Reports said helicopters of the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) were being used for aerial surveillance of crowds and direct ground troops. Meanwhile, a report in the Kathmandu Post said Inspector General of Police Shyam Bhakta Thapa had given direct orders to all commanders not to allow protestors to assemble and if necessary, open fire.

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