Tuesday, February 8 2005 22:10 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Defying the Government's ban on gathering of even five persons, some 40-50 youths and student activists belonging to the Nepali Congress today (Feb 8, 2005) staged black flag demonstration at the heart of Nepalese capital chanting slogans against King Gyanendra's assumption of power and declaration of emergency.

The agitation took place at New Road, the heart of Kathmandu city, amidst tight security.

The protestors, who sneaked past security, chanted slogans against the February 1 Royal Proclamation that imposed emergency rule providing sweeping power to the King.

Eye witnesses said the protestors from Nepal Tarun Dal, youth wing of Nepali Congress and Nepal Students Union, its student wing, shouted slogans like "We denounce Royal Proclamation", "Long Live Democracy," "Return democratic rights."

There was heavy deployment of riot police at Indrachowk, the proposed venue of the demonstration but the activists changed venue to New Road, few hundred yards away, giving no time to the security personnel to arrest the demonstrators.

The Royal Government has suspended most of the fundamental rights including freedom of speech and thought, freedom of movement and freedom to peaceful assembly. Over 100 party leaders, rights activists and journalists have been detained from Kathmandu alone after imposing emergency rule.

However, the Government's ban did not apply to those supporting the Royal move as small rallies continue in Kathmandu with police protection in favour of the King.