Friday, April 07, 2006

CURFEW IN NEPAL

India readies for more demonstrations. The BBC has the story:
The authorities in Nepal have imposed an all-day curfew in the capital, Kathmandu, as activists prepare for a rally on the third day of a strike.

The curfew will be in force for 11 hours from 1000 (0415GMT) and violators risk being shot at, officials said.

Some mobile phone networks have also been cut, as protesters prepare for more demonstrations against King Gyanendra's rule.

He has been widely criticised for seizing absolute power 14 months ago.

On Friday, at least 150 anti-government protesters were arrested in Kathmandu.

Police fired tear gas and used batons to disperse demonstrators, who hurled stones and set fire to a post office.

The crowds shouted that the king was a thief and should leave the country, the BBC's Charles Haviland in Kathmandu reports.

Clashes also were reported in several other towns of the kingdom.
The curfew and cell-phone blackout started around 11:15 p.m. Friday, CDT. Virtual censorship in a time of strife.

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