At least three persons were killed and over 50 injured when security personnel opened fire at pro-democracy activists, who were organizing demonstration in Kalanki area, Kathmandu, defying curfew orders imposed by the government.

Over 50 thousand protesters defied the curfew and took to the streets demanding end to autocratic rule. The Nepali Congress (Democratic), an ally in the seven-party coalition, said in a press statement this afternoon that three persons were shot and killed and hundreds of others were injured in government clampdown in demonstrations in Kalanki.

Police fired several live rounds, rubber bullets and teargas shells to disperse the agitators and charged batons injuring several protesters. Human rights monitors on the scene told Nepalnews that security personnel also barred Red Cross volunteers from treating the injured persons on the spot.

Dozens of injured activists were taken to medicine shops outside Ring Road area for treatment. Most of those injured have head injuries, according to them.

Most of the injured people have been taken to Kathmandu Model Hospital for treatment. TV and radio reports said the death toll in firings could be higher.

Likewise, 20 protestors were injured in Patan when they clashed with riot police.

Similarly, police shot at protesters at Satdobato. However, details of casualties in the incident were not immediately known.

Tens of thousands of pro-democracy activists are organizing demonstrations in various parts of the capital defying curfew orders.

Details to follow. nepalnews.com pb/mk Apr 20 06