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Demonstrations continue across the country, Security tightened in Kathmandu

As demonstrations against the Friday’s royal proclamation continue across the country for the third day Sunday, the authorities have imposed day-time curfew and tightened security in the capital, Kathmandu.

Reports say huge rallies are being organized in major cities around the country, including Pokhara, Chitwan, Biratnagar and Janakpur today so as the pressurize the king to fulfill demands put forth by the seven party alliance.

The alliance has rejected the royal offer to name the new premier and has said general strike and protests would continue unless the king reinstates the dissolved parliament.

Life across the country has been crippled as the nationwide general strike entered into the 18th day on Sunday.

Tens of thousands of people have assembled in various parts of the city and have been demonstrating against the royal proclamation, according to latest reports.

“We don’t accept royal proclamation. Hold elections to the constituent assembly,” the demonstrators are chanting.

Police, armed police and soldiers are patrolling key points in the capital city from early morning. Police have erected barricades in several parts of the city and have set up barbed wire fences in downtown areas including Ason and Bhotahity, according to reports.

The opposition parties have called upon their supporters to march to Ratna Park, the city centre, to demonstrate against the king. Over 300 demonstrators were injured, some of them seriously, when hundreds of thousands of people tried to march towards Tundikhel, the Open Air Theater, in the capital. Police used force to disrupt demonstrators—majority of them below 30 years—in Putalisadak and Singha Durbar area—less than five km from the Narayanhiti royal palace.

There are no reports of major violence as yet. Nepalnews will continue to monitor the situation. nepalnews.com by Apr 23 06