Over ten thousand people gathered at Kalanki Chowk in the outskirts of the capital, Kathmandu, to demonstrate against the royal government on the 10th day of the general strike carried out by the seven opposition parties Saturday.

Protest rallies that marched past Balkhu, Naikap and Sitapaita areas converged into a mass meeting at Kalanki Chowk. They chanted slogans against the government crackdown in the recent demonstrations across the country. Security presence was heavy during the protest but no clash took place unlike in previous days.

Vehicular traffic came at a complete standstill in and around Kalanki from early morning while marketplaces remained closed. The general strike also affected the normal life throughout the Kathmandu Valley.

Similar demonstrations were carried out in Gongabu, Kirtipur, Chabahil, Bhotahiti and various other places. At least a dozen activists were arrested from a demonstration organized by Democratic Nation Youth Organisation, the youth wing of the CPN (UML), at Bhotahiti in the afternoon.

Likewise, four journalists including general secretary of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Mahendra Bista, were severely beaten up by the police during rally organized by the FNJ to protest the arrest and manhandling of journalists.

Similarly, 19 persons including journalists and artistes were arrested from an interaction program organized by the Reporters Club Nepal at Putalisadak. The program was organized on the road, defying the prohibitory orders issued by the local authorities.

The seven-party alliance on Friday decided to intensify the nationwide strike from today, partially relaxing for a couple of days. nepalnews.com mk Apr 15 06