Three Maoist cadre injured in anti-King demonstration

They were hurt in a scuffle with the police as they tried to wave black flags at Nepal's King Gyanendra during his visit to the Basantapur.

Three Maoist activists were hurt in a scuffle with the police as they tried to wave black flags at Nepal's King Gyanendra during his visit to the Basantapur Durbarsquare here to observe a Hindu festival.

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The sloganeering Maosist cadre affiliated with the Newa Mukti Morcha, including its president Pawan Shrestha were injured when police intervened in their anti-King demonstrations at New Road when Gyanendra arrived there on Wedensday evening to observe the Indra Jatra festival.

Chanting anti-King slogans in an attempt to disturb the royal visit despite tight security in the area, the Maoists tried to wave black flags at Gyanendra and his wife Komal as they came to Basantapur.

Unlike in the past no ministers accompanied the King and there were few diplomats and government officials attending the ceremony. Chief Justice Dilip Kumar Poudyal was the only high official attending the ceremony.

Indra, the rain God, is worshipped in Nepal for good harvest during the Indra Jatra festival. The chariot of a 'Living Goddess' or 'Kumari' is pulled and the King worships her and seeks her blessings.