Friday, February 4 2005 22:00 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Amidst reports of protests outside the Nepalese capital against King Gyanendra for seizing power, para-military forces today (Feb 4, 2005) raided a meeting of supporters of ousted Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's Nepali Congress Democratic party and detained some activists.

Gun-toting security forces were out in strength in the streets and the Himalayan Kingdom virtually remained cut-off from rest of the world for the fourth day with communication lines, Internet services, mobile phones remaining suspended.

There were unconfirmed reports of clashes between security forces and pro-democracy agitators outside Kathmandu, including at tourist spots of Pokhara and Chitawan.

A group of activists of Nepali Congress Democratic party gathered at the party headquarters when the raids took place. Many managed to escape while a few were rounded up by the security forces.

Deuba and another former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, in separate statements, asked the people to unite in protest against the King's actions and help restore democracy in the kingdom.

A spokesman for Deuba said the sacked Premier said political parties would hold protests against the monarch's action. Koirala also asked the citizens to take to the streets to help restore democracy.

Meanwhile, Royal Nepalese Army chief General Pyar Jung Thapa said the Army would launch "a more vigorous offensive... if the Maoists neglect the call of His Majesty (for peace talks).

However, Thapa sought to allay fears of the international community and said security forces acting against the rebels would be "given directives" about "international law and the Geneva Convention" on treatment of prisoners of war.

Public and private vehicles operated as usual, shops were open, people attended offices but most schools and colleges were closed.

The Nepali Congress party denounced Deuba's ouster from power as a "blow to democratic values" and asked the people to unite against the "anti-democratic" step.

Nepal Government has ordered all private radio and FM stations not to broadcast news, information and views during the six-month censorship.

"The FM stations will only be allowed to broadcast entertainment programmes," a Government notification said.

Newspapers have been asked to show the final copy of their publication to the official designated by the Government before sending it for printing, editor of a daily said.