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Over 200 arrested in Pokhara, demonstrations continue

Over 200 professionals were arrested in Pokhara on Wednesday from a demonstration organized by Nepal University Teacher's Association Pokhara Valley Coordination Committee defying curfew orders on the 14th day of the general strike called by the seven party alliance (SPA), reports said.

Various professional bodies and supporters took out rallies from various corners of Pokhara defying curfew orders since early morning today.

The local authorities imposed a daylong curfew in Pokhara from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

Demonstrations as part of the general strike called by the SPA continued in Kathmandu and other parts of the country on Wednesday as well.

In the valley, according to reports, demonstrations were held in Budhanilkantha, Banasthali, Kapan, Thankot, Koteshwor, Baneshwor, Chahabil, Bouddha, Ghattekulo, Maitidevi, Gongabu, Balaju, Kalanki, Asan, Chhetrapati, Lagan, Kirtipur, Mangalbazaar, Harishiddi, Kaushaltar and Suryabinayak.

Our Nepalnews correspondent on the scene said police arrested over 40 teachers while they were carrying out peaceful demonstration from Dillibazar. The teachers were planning to organize a rally from Dillibazar to New Baneshwore, but police stopped it immediately after it started.

Other reports said employees of government offices and corporations continued demonstrations and sit-in in the office premises on Wednesday expressing solidarity to the pro-democracy movement of the country.

Police arrested journalist Biswamitra Khanal of state-run Nepal Television, from pro-democracy demonstration. Programme presenters of FM radio and Television also organized a protest programme in Soyambhu, expressing solidarity to the pro-democracy movement of the country, reports said.

In Nepalgunj, demonstrators protested the killing of Setu Sunar, who died of injuries sustained during police baton charge and firing of teargas shells during a demonstration on Tuesday. The SPA declared her a martyr and renamed Gyanendra Chowk of the district as Situ Chowk, according to radio reports.

The SPA has planned a major demonstration in Ring Road on Thursday and appealed all to participate in it. nepalnews.com pb Apr 19 06