Kathmandu, June 20: Over 30,000 people marched in Kathmandu today in demonstrations called separately by supporters of Maoists and the agitating political parties demanding King Gyanendra to return sovereign power to the people, disclose details of royal wealth and to restore the peace process. The rallies by major political parties demanded the disclosure of the royal property including that of the present King, to return sovereign power to the people and chanted slogans against the king. The rally was part of their fourth round of joint agitation against the royal takeover.

The Maoists organised a separate rally to pressurise the government to resume peace talks, which was stalled after the second round due to some differences between the government and the rebels over the issue of mobilising Nepalese Army. The Maoists are demanding the army not to cross the territory under their control in the remote rural areas.

Maoists spokesman Krishna Bahadur Mahara in a meeting reiterated the demand of holding the constituent assembly elections to draft a new constitution.

He also cautioned against the conspiracy being hatched in the country to disturb the peace process. The major streets of Kathmandu was jammed today for hours because of the rallies and all schools and colleges remained closed.

Meanwhile, some 60 journalists boycotted the regional seminar of the Federation of Nepal Journalists in Jawlakhel, Lalitpur where prime minister surya bahadur thapa was the chief guest, saying that they are supporting agitating parties' call to boycott any function attended by ministers.

Bureau Report