Nepal protestors demand democracy

THOUSANDS of protesters marched through Nepal’s capital on yesterday to demand the restoration of democracy in one of the biggest shows of opposition strength since King Gyanendra seized absolute power three months ago.

In two union-organised rallies that also were intended to commemorate the May Day workers' holiday, demonstrators carried placards calling for an end to the king's direct rule.

Gyanendra on Saturday lifted a state of emergency that had given police unlimited power, but he retained direct rule.

The demonstrators carrying red flags and chanting "We want democracy, down with autocracy" stayed away from restricted areas around the king's palace and government offices.

Police blocked the demonstrators near the Royal Commission for Corruption Control, a controversial agency set up by the king to investigate and prosecute suspected politicians and officials.

Demonstrators did not try to break the police line and dispersed peacefully, but they vowed to continue their protests.

"We will continue to take part in the protests until Nepal is free," said Suresh Shrestha, a carpet factory worker.

Gyanendra imposed emergency rule on February 1 after firing the government, seizing absolute power and suspending civil liberties. He said the ousted leaders had failed to hold parliamentary elections or quell a communist insurgency.

The monarch lifted the state of emergency but still rules without an elected government or parliament and there has been no word on the release of hundreds of political workers jailed under emergency rule.

Censorship of the media continues and a dozen journalists remain in jail.

Cable operators are still banned from airing Indian news channels, which have been critical of the king's actions.

Gyanendra also extended the term of the royal commission that was set up under emergency rule to probe corruption during the past 14 years.

Several political leaders, including former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, were arrested recently at the direction of the commission. Many fear more politicians could be arrested in the future on corruption charges.

"We will continue to protest against the king until full democracy is restored, said Gopalman Shrestha of the Nepali Congress Democratic party.