Thursday, April 20 2006 10:56 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Defying curfew, hundreds of people came out on the streets in Nepal today to participate in a pro-democracy demonstration, marking the start of the third week of a general strike called by the opposition parties.

In a bid to thwart the opposition from organising the rally, the Royal Government has imposed an 18-hour curfew from 0200hs this morning. A heavy security cordon was all over the city and markets remained closed.

Prime Minister's Manmohan Singh's Special Envoy Karan Singh will hold talks with King Gyanendra to convey India's strong concerns over the prevailing situation as all underpin the importance for initiating dialogue immediately with the political parties to take forward the process of reconciliation. Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran, an old Nepal hand, will join Singh in the talks.

Singh related to the monarch through his wife, indicated that his task was arduous. "It is a delicate and difficult mission," he said.

Nepali political parties stepped up pressure in what seems to be a showdown with the monarchy. Warning that this time it will be a do or die battle, Gopal Man Shrestha, acting president of the Nepali Congress (Democratic), said King Gyanendra has to take a complete U-turn to restore democracy.

"The present Cabinet has to be dissolved forthwith and all political prisoners under detention should be released immediately," he told sources.

"This time it will be a fight to finish. People are fed up with the present state of affairs," Shrestha said.

The Nepali leader said India should stop all economic and military assistance being extended to what he termed as 'unconstitutional government' to put pressure on the King.

He said the roadmap outlined by the seven parties must be followed in letter and spirit and parliament should be reinstated with an interim government without conditions and the King should be ready for elections.

If this was done through dialogue, then the King will have a 'face saver.'

"Peoples sentiments are totally against the King and unless he takes timely steps it may result in a situation that could be beyond the control of even the political parties," he said.

"The moral support of Indian Government, political parties in that country and the people for urgent restoration of democracy in Nepal should continue," he said.

The Royal Government ordered a curfew yesterday after four protesters were shot dead and many more wounded during violent clashes in eastern Nepal.