Despite restrictions, top UML leader addresses journos

January 19, 2006
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Amid speculation that he was placed under house arrest, top leader of the CPN (UML), Madhav Kumar Nepal, came out in the open Thursday afternoon to address a gathering of media personnel at Anam Nagar in the Nepalese capital.

CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal

CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal (File Photo)
Addressing a ‘Face to Face programme’ organized by the Kathmandu Branch of Press Chautari Nepal, a media group said to be close to his party, the UML leader said the seven party opposition alliance would stage demonstrations in Kathmandu Friday at any costs. He also called upon people to attend the protest rally and mass meeting.

He spent nearly an hour in the programme. He was, however, watched closely by security personnel in civil dress during the programme, according to a journalist associated with South Asian Free Media Association, Nepal chapter where the programme was held.

Nepal returned to his residence at Koteswore after the programme.

Dozens of political leaders and rights activists were arrested early Thursday morning in what has been described as the move by the government to foil mass meeting and rally being organized by the opposition parties on Friday.

Talking to Nepalnews this morning, UML leader said dozens of his party comrades had been arrested by police and that his residence was ‘searched’ by the security personnel.