Local authorities have declared day-time curfew in the capital, Kathmandu, and surrounding areas on Friday as well.

On Thursday, the authorities had imposed 18-hour long curfew, which was extended by another seven hours till 3 p. m. on Friday. Residents of the valley had to confine themselves within their houses for over 24 hours.

But hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of the capital, especially in the Road Road area, by defying curfew orders. Pro-democracy demonstrators clashed with security personnel at various parts of the city. At least three demonstrators were killed and over one hundred others were injured in firing by security personnel.

A number of rights organizations have denounced the government’s act of denying curfew exemption passes to media, rights groups, UN agencies and even ambulances. Dozens of injured personnel lay unattended for hours due to lack of transportation.

A vehicle owned by INSEC, a leading rights group, defied curfew orders on Thursday to ferry injured personnel to Kathmandu Model hospital, where they are being treated.

On Friday, the royal government has again denied curfew exemption passes to media, rights groups and ambulances. Reports say the UN OHCHR team alone has been granted passes.

People were seen rushing to collect their supplies early Friday after curfew was relaxed. There is acute shortage of essential items in the capital including petroleum products, fresh vegetables, salt and oil, among others as the nationwide general strike entered into the third week.

The seven party opposition alliance has said the nationwide general strike will continue unless their demands are met. The opposition parties are demanding that His Majesty King Gyanendra give up his absolute powers and restore democracy in the country. nepalnews.com by Apr 21 06