Security personnel violently dispersed several protesting crowds across Nepal as life in the Himalayan Kingdom was paralysed for the sixth day of political agitation.
KATHMANDU: Security personnel violently dispersed several protesting crowds across Nepal as life in the Himalayan Kingdom was paralysed for the sixth day of political agitation and fourth day of curfew in several cities.
As thousands continued to take to streets, despite undue force used by the King’s security personnel, international pressure is clearly mounting on the autarchy to give in to democracy. US assistant Secretary of State for South Asian affairs, Richard Boucher, did not reflect any of the recent American ambiguities while talking to CNN on Monday about the need to restore democracy in Nepal. And sources in the European Union told DNA that they would soon be issuing a strong statement condemning excessive use of force against protesters.
Reports say that the security personnel opened fired on thousands of protesters in Pokhara, where King Gynanedra has been staying for almost a month. At least two women were injured in the firing. Pokhara, a picturesque tourist destination, is a key area of anti-monarchy protests and has been placed under 10 am-6 pm curfew. It was here that a Communist party member was killed by the Royal Nepalese Army personnel in firing on Saturday.
In Gongabu, a key locality of protests in Kathmandu witnessed several bloody scenes as security personnel fired rubber bullets on protesters, some 25 people were injured. Tear gas was also fired to disperse crowds that have packed the crowded colony. In Kirtipur, the citadel of democracy agitation, students of Tribhuvan University and local residents continued to stage massive protests against the King. Security personnel carried out a baton charge in which over a dozen protesters were injured.
Since April 6 the seven party political alliance has been staging an indefinite general strike demand the King to restore the Parliament which he had dissolved on February 1 2005. The parties want an all-party government formed, followed by a constituent assembly, negotiations with the Maoists, and finally fair elections under international supervision. Meanwhile, Maoists have also launched their own separate anti-monarchy protests.
Police also arrested ten scribes at a peaceful demonstration. They were protesting excessive use of force against peaceful protesters.
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