Five parties stage rallies against police action

January 31, 2004
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Five agitating political parties Saturday staged nationwide rallies displaying black flags in protest of police intervention during Friday’s procession in Kathmandu.

In Kathmandu, leaders and cadres of five parties marched past major city streets this afternoon condemning the government using force to disrupt anti-regression movements.

Few agitators including Lilamani Pokhrel, vice-chairman of United People’s Front have been arrested while over a dozen have been injured.

Earlier, addressing the gathering at Ratnapak, Pokhrel said the agitators would not recoil out of fear from police intimidation. He blasted the ‘unconstitutional’ government, saying it was trying test the might of the people. He at the same time urged the King not to go against the will of the people.

Meanwhile, in Kavre, police have arrested 100 students attempting to hold a public hearing on ”relevance of monarchy” at Banepa. Among the arrested, 82 have been released while leaders including Nepali Congress district committee chairman Madhu Acharya and former MP Shiv Humagain remain under police control.

Irate students chanted anti-King slogans and denounced cruelty unleashed by police.

The protestors have announced Bandh (closure) in Kavre district on Sunday to protest today’s police action.