Anti-rally curfew shuts down Kathmandu

An alliance of seven opposition parties has vowed to go on with pro-democracy protests, although it was unclear if today's planned demonstration in Kathmandu would go ahead.

Thousands of people had been expected at the rally to demand that democracy be reinstated and to protest at the king's seizure of absolute power last February after sacking an interim government.

But the king's regime imposed an indefinite ban on rallies, and imposed an 8am (0400 GMT) to 6pm curfew today, on top of a previously imposed night-time curfew, which starts at 9pm.

At least five prominent opposition politicians were put under house arrest yesterday and, according to human rights groups, at least 78 opposition supporters were arrested in a city-wide police sweep.

Early today the city and its suburbs were deserted after an initial burst of activity as residents rushed to buy groceries and drive to work before the curfew began. There were no reports of demonstrations.

Internet, mobile and landline phone communications were cut off between Kathmandu and the outside world yesterday, although landlines and internet communications were later reconnected.

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