New Delhi: More than 60 people were arrested in Nepal as the first day of a general strike got underway. The strike has been called by a seven party alliance and the Maoists against the King. Gyanendra has banned it. Reports say his son Paras is in charge of affairs in Kathmandu while the King is in Pokhra.
An indefinite night curfew was enforced in Kathmandu on the eve of the general strike. A ban on demonstrations and rallies is also in force.
But scores of anti-government activists were undeterred. At torchlight rally dozens of them were arrested by police. Among those arrested was senior journalist Kanak Mani Dixit.
"The man who crushes the democracy, takes away the rights of the people and does away with media freedom is not Home Minister Kamal Thapa, it is King Gyanendra. That is why this movement will go ahead. And we don't need such a King, " says Dixit.
Trade union and professional groups say they will join the strike. Schools and businesses are likely to close in a show of support, if not in fear of attacks from activists.
The strike is for four days. The Maoists say they will not physically take part but will hold anti government rallies in the rural areas they control.
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