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One demonstrator dies, 100 injured during demonstrations on Tuesday

A demonstrator died and over 100 were injured when security forces opened rubber bullets, rained batons and fired teargas shells on protestors in Pokhara, Udaypur and Nepalgunj on Tuesday, the 13th day of the indefinite general strike called by the seven party alliance (SPA) for the restoration of complete democracy in the country.

Nearly 100,000 people took to the streets in these districts demanding restoration of complete democracy bringing an end to direct rule of the King.

According to reports, Setu BK of Banke’s Bageshwori VDC, who was hit by a tear gas shell during a pro-democracy rally in Nepalgunj died on the way to Lucknow of India for further treatment. Likewise, at least 70 others were injured when security personnel opened fire and lathi-charged them.

In Pokhara, at least 80 agitators were injured when forces opened fire and beat them up in Sabhagriha chowk and Birauta chowk, when protestors defied the prohibitory order by the local administration. Six security personnel were also injured when irate protesters threw stones at them.

They vandalised Gyanendra Chowk, which is under construction and also torched a police van. The demonstrators and police clashed after the former started throwing stones at the policemen in Gyanendra Chowk.

The Kaski District Administration Office, issuing a notice on Tuesday, imposed curfew in areas lying between Seti river and Pardi (except Lakeside) in the west and up to Simpani in the north in Pokhara from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

Nearly 50,000 people took to the street in Bhairahawa, Chitwan, Rajbiraj and Dang.

Likewise, demonstrations were held in various districts including, Arghakanchi, Dharan, Birgunj, Biratnagar, Butwal, Bardiya, Bajhang, Bhojpur and Dolakha among others.

Rallies were held in various parts of the capital on Tuesday. Unlike previous days, the rallies were largely peaceful. nepalnews.com pb Apr 19 06