Fresh clashes in Kathmandu

POLICE fired rubber bullets at anti-monarchy protesters as clashes erupted yesterday in Nepal’s capital, where many residents spent most daylight hours cooped up at home on the third day of a government curfew.

Police also fired tear gas and beat protesters with batons to break up rallies in several Kathmandu neighbourhoods, but no major injuries were reported. The demonstrators demand King Gyanendra relinquish control over government.

The Himalayan nation’s long-simmering crisis has deepened in recent days, with mobs rampaging in different cities. A crackdown by security forces has killed three protesters and some 800 have been arrested, mostly without charge.

The government had imposed an almost round-the-clock curfew in Kathmandu over the weekend, and extended it yesterday, but with reduced hours. Day curfews also continued in the towns of Pokhara and Bharatpur.

The opposition called a four-day general strike that ended Sunday, but it vowed to continue protests.

Many Western tourists strolled Kathmandu’s empty roads, without being stopped by security forces.

“I think it’s a shame. Very nice people, such a beautiful country, but so much conflict,” said Kevin Sheehy, aged 33, from Dublin.