Tens of thousands defy Kathmandu curfew

Tens of thousands of protesters marched on the outskirts of the Nepalese capital Kathmandu today, again defying a government-imposed curfew a day after security forces opened fire on demonstrators.

An anti-monarchy protester wounded in yesterday’s violence died, raising the day’s death toll to four and the overall number of demonstrators killed by security forces during two weeks of often-violent street protests to 14.

At least three big rallies were reported today on the ring road that circles Kathmandu, and which falls within the curfew zone.

An Associated Press photographer saw at least 50,000 protesters march from the Gangabu area just north-east of the city. Local news media reported tens of thousands were also demonstrating in the Kirtipur area to the south.

They were all headed toward Kalanki, an area on the city’s western edge where police fired on protesters yesterday, killing at least three on the spot and wounding dozens more.

About 10,000 protesters were already gathered at Kalanki, where demonstrators had splashed in large red and white letters on the pavement: “Martyrs’ square, long live the martyrs.”

“Long live democracy! The blood of the martyrs will not go to waste,” protesters chanted, waving political opposition party flags.

Police backed by trucks and armoured military vehicles stood nearby, creating an uneasy stand-off. Hundreds of police and soldiers were posted all along the ring road, and others patrolled the city's otherwise deserted streets. No clashes were reported today.

More than two weeks of often violent protests and a general strike against palace rule have paralysed the Himalayan country, leaving it at its most volatile since King Gyanendra seized absolute power 14 months ago.

Government notices issued early today said the 9am-8pm curfew must be observed in Kathmandu, its suburbs of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur, and in the resort town of Pokhara, 125 miles west of the capital.

The notices warned people to stay indoors during the curfew and said those who violated it will be shot.

They said the curfew was imposed “to protect the people, property and peace”.

The protester who died at a hospital today was among 26 people shot at Gulariya, 310 miles south-west of Kathmandu, during a protest yesterday.

He was the 14th person killed by security forces firing on people protesting Gyanendra's rule since opposition parties launched the general strike on April 6.

A Defence Ministry statement said security forces had to fire yesterday because the situation was getting out of control.

It said 13 policemen were wounded in clashes with protesters, who vandalised government offices and tried but failed to set them on fire.

At the Model Hospital, where many of the wounded protesters – including three of those killed – were taken, doctors wore black bands to protest against the shootings.

“It was terrible,” said Dr Sarita Pandey. He said 66 wounded people, eight in critical condition, were admitted yesterday.

He said the injured included a 10-year-old boy with a gunshot wound and five-year-old beaten by police.

About 100,000 people walked from surrounding villages to march peacefully along the main road that circles Kathmandu, littered with bricks and burning tyres.

A government official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to policy, said Friday’s curfew was necessary to prevent more violent protests.

Kathmandu residents rushed to markets for food and other supplies before the curfew began.

Shortages of fresh food and cooking fuel continued due to the general strike.

Notices posted around the city asked government workers to report to work before the curfew began.