The Nepali government extended an 18-hour curfew to seven more
hours in the capital Kathmandu on Thursday beginning 2:00 AM local
time (21:15 GMT on Wednesday) to maintain law and order.
"The curfew order imposed in the capital Kathmandu Valley from
2:00 AM local time (21:15 GMT on Wednesday) to 8:00 PM local time
(14:15 GMT on Thursday) is increased until Friday 3:00 AM local
time (22:15 GMT on Thursday)," state-run Radio Nepal said.
Issuing separate public notices, the District Administration
Offices of Kathmandu and Lalitpur, extended the announced curfew
hour, citing possible violence and loss of property during
agitation being carried out by the seven opposition political
parties.
The curfew orders have been clamped in within and 200 meter
outside the Ring Road area, the periphery of downtown Kathmandu and
Lalitpur cities, of the Valley.
The curfew was imposed citing security reasons in order to
maintain law and order of the valley, the notices said.
"Security personnel have been authorized to shoot at those
defying the curfew," the notices said.
"Terrorist as well as various unruly and untoward activities
have been taking place leading to an increase in anarchical
activities, insecurity and disorder in public life in various
locations of the valley," the earlier notices issued on Wednesday
said.
"In the context of a statement of active participation by the
terrorists in the so-called programs organized by the seven
political parties, the curfew order has been issued in order to
avoid the possible damage to life and property as a result of such
activities," the notice said.
The seven opposition political party alliances announced
indefinite general strike across the country from April 6 and
intensified the agitation.
The alliance organized mass rallies and demonstrations in the
valley on Thursday and tried to defy curfew order in different
places of the valley.
According to the radio, at least three persons were killed and
over 50 injured when security personnel opened fire at
demonstrators at Kalanki area, along the Ring Road, as they were
defying curfew orders imposed by the government.
(Xinhua News Agency April 21, 2006)
