Fresh wave of Nepal violence leaves 25 dead

NEW rebel violence killed at least 25 people in Nepal yesterday, while political parties continued to defy a government crackdown on protests against King Gyanendra’s direct rule over the Himalayan kingdom.

The royal government released three top opposition leaders from house arrest.

Troops left the houses of former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, president of the Nepali Congress party; Khadga Prasad Oli of the Communist Party of Nepal; and Narayan Man Bijuchche of the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party.