Over 200 thousand people demonstrate in Kalanki; govt office, vehicles torched (Update)

More than 200 thousand pro-democracy protesters poured into Kalanki, defied curfew and chanted slogan against King’s rule Friday afternoon.

Demonstrators assembled in Kalanki from Naikap, Sitapaila, Balaju, Balkhu and surrounding areas. This was the biggest demonstrations organised during the nationwide general strike called by the seven-party alliance on April 6.

There was no sign of curfew in Kalanki and surrounding areas. Despite heavy security presence, no clash occurred between the protesters and the security forces. Military helicopters made several rounds in the sky over Ring Road as the protests went on.

Two slogans – one against the King’s and another in favour of ‘Loktantra’ (people’s democracy) – rent the air throughout the day.

The protesters declared Kalanki as ‘Loktantra Chowk’. A huge graffiti on the road, at the main traffic intersection, read ‘Loktantra Chowk. Three protesters were shot dead by the security forces in Kalanki during Thursday’s protests.

Meanwhile, the demonstrators set fire to the Land Revenue Office in Kalanki and brought down a police beat this evening. They also torched three motorbikes of the traffic police.

Three fire brigade vehicles later extinguished the fire at the Land Revenue Office but all the documents, furniture and the shops on the ground floor of the building were completely destroyed.

The pro-democracy activists were still demonstrating in the area until 6 in the evening. nepalnews.com mk Apr 21 06

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