Nepal: Protesters march on city
2006-04-20 09:55
Kathmandu - Thousands of pro-democracy protesters were converging on Thursday on the outskirts of the curfew-bound Nepalese capital in defiance of a ban on demonstrations, AFP reporters and activists said.
Several thousand people waving flags and chanting "Down with (King) Gyanendra, long live democracy" rallied at Gongabu, on the northeastern rim of Kathmandu.
Women and children were among the peaceful demonstrators watched closely by security forces who tried to chase away foreign reporters and photographers.
"We are ready to sacrifice our lives for democracy," said Sanyam Poudel.
"We are not scared of them," said the 22-year-old studying for a masters in English. "We gave many chances to the royal family but the king has misunderstood us."
From the west side, thousands more pro-democracy activists also shouting anti-king slogans were marching towards Kalanki, a main entry point to the capital, witnesses said.
Sea of people
"People from Kirtipur town and other villages are converging on Kalanki," said Rajendra Manandhar, who was watching the crowds from a rooftop.
"I can see a sea of people covering the road over three kilometres distance," he said.
Manandhar added that a large number of soldiers and armed policemen were stationed at the Kalanki crossroads into the capital.
Shoot-on-sight orders have been issued inside Kathmandu where the curfew was strictly enforced by a large security presence. The curfew limit extends 200m beyond the ring road around the capital.
Despite the clampdown political parties have insisted mass demonstrations would go ahead, kicking off a third week of mass protests against the king.
The curfew was declared after witnesses said four protesters were shot dead and many more wounded during clashes Wednesday in eastern Nepal, the worst violence of the campaign to end Gyanendra's absolute rule.
The defence ministry issued a statement saying only two people died.
Gyanendra grabbed absolute power in February 2005, blaming his politicians for failing to tackle the Maoist insurgency and failing to hold elections.