Wednesday, April 12 2006 15:16 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Nepal government today (Apr 12, 2006) lifted daytime curfew even as authorities continued their crackdown on spiralling pro-democracy agitations arresting 30 journalists.

The announcement that curfew was lifted was made over state-run Nepal Television. The curfew was imposed last Saturday.

Protests continued in various parts of the country onthe seventh day of the seven parties' agitation for restoration of democracy.

Police arrested 30 journalists in the capital when they had gathered for a rally in front of the office a the Federation of Nepalese journalists to oppose police action against mediapersons covering the pro-democracy agitation.

The General Secretary of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists Mahendra Bista was among those arrested. A total of 111 journalists have been arrested since the current round of the agitation started, FNJ sources said.

People have also come out in the street at Kalanki, Gongabu, Koteshwor, Ghattekulo, Baneshwor Lalirpur and Kirtipur shouting anti-King and pro-democracy slogans.

Pro-democracy protests were expected to escalate in the capital today with professionals, including doctors, lawyers, bank staff, artists, journalists, corporation staff, government employees and teachers joining the movement throughout the country.

The Seven Party Alliance, meanwhile, said theagitation will not stop until total democracy is established and ruled out any dialogue with the King unless parties demands were met.

"Our programme is peaceful and any one who has faith in it can join it," Nepali Congress leader Arjun Narsing K.C. said.

"We believe that democracy can be restored through peaceful movement and we don't believe in violence," K.C. said adding "We have opposed any joint action or cooperation with those who believe in violence".

Leaders also dismissed government's allegation that Maoists have infiltrated into their peaceful movement.

Nepali Congress (Democratic) acting president Gopalman Shrestha alleged that the government was trying to defame and derail the movement.

He also asked the Maoists not to bring any new programme that would affect the seven party agitation, if they want to help restore total democracy.