14th day of protests amid curfew imposed in Nepal
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, April 20, IRNA
Nepal-Situation
Protestors in Nepal, on the 14th day of a nationwide strike called by a seven-party political alliance, Wednesday pressed their demand that the current political regime in the nation immediately hand over power to the people and call for elections for a constituent assembly to draft a new constitution.
In a bid to thwart the opposition from organizing a rally, the royal government imposed an 18-hour curfew from 02:00 hours IST (Indian Standard Time) on Wednesday. A heavy security cordon was all over the city and markets remained closed.
The curfew began at 2 am and ended at 8 pm Wednesday, officials said.
Despite the curfew, hundreds of people came out on the streets in Nepal Thursday (today) to participate in a pro-democracy
demonstration marking the start of the third week of the general strike called by the opposition parties.
Nepali political parties stepped up pressure in what seems to be a showdown with the monarchy.
Warning that this time it will be a do or die battle, Gopal Man Sherstha, acting president of the Nepali Congress (Democratic), said King Gyanendra has to take a "complete U-turn" to restore democracy.
The Nepali leader said India should stop all economic and military assistance being extended to what he termed as the "unconstitutional government" in order to put pressure on the king.
The moral support of the Indian government, political parties and the people for urgent restoration of democracy in Nepal should continue, he said.
"Peoples sentiments are totally against the King and unless he takes timely steps it may result in a situation that could be beyond the control of even the political parties."
The royal government ordered a curfew yesterday after four protesters were shot dead and many more wounded during violent clashes in eastern Nepal.
Thousands of passengers have been stranded in the strike and Nepal's capital is facing shortages of fresh food, cooking gas and gasoline.
The protests are the worst unrest Gyanendra has faced since he sacked the government and seized power 14 months ago.
The king credited his act as a move to restore political order in the country and end a communist insurgency that has left nearly 13,000 people dead in the past decade and made holding elections impossible.
King Gyanendra has promised parliamentary elections next year, which he says will pave the way for a return to democracy.
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