Nepal Maoists picket Singha Durbar, dozens injured

Kathmandu, Nov 13 (ANI): Cadres of the Unified CPN (Maoist) clashed with riot police while staging protest outside the country's administrative center, Singha Durbar, as part of their second -phase protests against President Ram Baran's move to overrule the erstwhile Maoists government's decision to sack the then army chief, General Rookmand Katawal.

More than 50 Maoist cadres, including senior leaders and some lawmakers of the party were injured after police resorted to a baton-charge and fired tear-gas shells to prevent the crowd from entering the prohibited areas around Singha Durbar on Thursday.

Party Chairman Prachanda also participated at the sit-in at Bhadrakali. Vice Chairman Dr. Baburam Bhattarai joined a protestat Maitighar Mandala, while Narayan Kaji Shrestha protest at Padmodaya and Krishna Bahadur Mahara at the Kathmandu District Administration Office.

The government has deployed thousands of security personnel, including those from Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force (APF), in the area.

The government has instructed all high level officials to compulsorily attend office.

Although the Maoists had said they would not disturb the normal functioning of any other offices, schools or markets, many schools in Kathmandu have been declared closed today in view of the Maoist demonstration.

As per schedule, they will continue with their protests on Friday as well.

Last week, the Maoists picketed village and district administration offices and enforced a blockade of the Kathmandu Valley, which passed off peacefully.

Even though General Katawal has retired, the Maoists have repeated their agitation to establish 'civilian supremacy' and a national unity government under their leadership in the country. (ANI)