E-Paper
Political parties in Nepal to defy Govt ban on rallies
This came a day after the Royal government banned rallies in the Himalayan kingdom apprehending that Maoists might infiltrate them.
Nepal's seven-party pro-democracy alliance on Tuesday vowed to press ahead with their anti-King demonstration in the capital, a day after the Royal government banned rallies here apprehending that Maoists might infiltrate them.
In a separate development, the government imposed night curfew in several other districts besides Kathmandu.
The districts included are Siraha, Morang, Saptari, Tanahun, Kaski, Syangja, Chitawan, Gorkha, Bara, Makawanpur, Rupandehi, Taplejung and Baglung.
The Home Ministry on Monday asked political parties not to press ahead with their rally on January 20 in view of the possible Maoist infiltration and asked the alliance to come for a dialogue to resolve the problem.
However, enthused by the massive participation of people in a similar rally held in Janakpur last week, political parties are determined to hold their rally.
"We will defy the government ban. The government is worried by our successful demonstration in Janakpur," Nepali Congress Spokesman Krishna Sitalia said.
"It is the height of autocracy," CPN-UML Spokesperson Pradip Nepal said reacting to the ban on public gatherings.
Nepal said the government's attempt to link the democratic forces with violence is condemnable act. "Our understanding with the rebels is for peace, democracy and human rights."
