Tuesday, January 17 2006 11:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Nepal's seven-party pro-democratic alliance today (Jan 17, 2006) vowed to press ahead with their anti-King demonstration in the capital, a day after the Royal government banned rallies here apprehending that Maoists might infiltrate them.

In a separate development, the government imposed night curfew in several other districts besides Kathmandu. The districts included are Siraha, Morang, Saptari, Tanahun, Kaski, Syangja, Chitawan, Gorkha, Bara, Makawanpur, Rupandehi, Taplejung and Baglung.

The Home Ministry yesterday asked political parties not to press ahead with their rally on January 20 in view of the possible Maoist infiltration and asked the alliance to come for a dialogue to resolve the problem.

However, enthused by the massive participation of people in a similar rally held in Janakpur last week, political parties are determined to hold their rally.

"We will defy the government ban. The government is worried by our successful demonstration in Janakpur", Nepali Congress Spokesman Krishna Sitalia said.

"It is the height of autocracy", CPN-UML Spokesperson Pradip Nepal said reacting to the ban on public gatherings.

Nepal said the government's attempt to link the democratic forces with violence is condemnable act. "Our understanding with the rebels is for peace, democracy and human rights". Nepali Congress General Secretary Ramchandra Poudyal said the parties are determined to go ahead with their peaceful programme despite the government's warning.

The "unconstitutional and unrepresentative government's ban was indicative of its frightened mentality, which is terrified by the parties show of strength. There is no question of holding talks with such a government", NC (Democratic) General Secretary Bimalendra Nidhi said.

The seven political parties also urged the Maoists to honour the 12-point understanding with them and prove their commitment to it by shunning violence.

"The Maoists should not attack any unarmed and innocent people in the pretext of war", they added.