Katmandu, Nepal – Nepal’s crisis grew bloodier Wednesday when security forces fatally shot four pro-democracy demonstrators as the government imposed a curfew in the capital to prevent a huge rally urging King Gyanendra to loosen his grip on power.
Two weeks of often-violent protests and a general strike against palace rule have paralyzed Nepal, leaving cities short of food and fuel and the country at its most volatile since the monarch seized power 14 months ago.
The royal government has responded harshly, claiming Nepal’s communist insurgents – who are now allied with the opposition – have infiltrated rallies to sow violence.
Ten Nepalis, including the four Wednesday, have been slain by security forces since the opposition launched a general strike April 6.
Officials claimed security forces opened fire only after being shot at by brick-throwing protesters in Chandragadi, about 310 miles southeast of Katmandu.
There were conflicting reports of how many were killed. The Defense Ministry said two people, another Nepali official put the toll at four, and a U.N. official said it was five.
The shootings reinforced fears of more bloodshed today, when the opposition hoped to mass 100,000 people onto the ring road that skirts Katmandu.
The march would dwarf previous protests and undercut government claims that demonstrators lack popular support.
Authorities announced a curfew from 2 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.
Soldiers and police were ordered to shoot violators, and no passes were issued to diplomats, journalists and rights monitors.
