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Maoist rebels' leader urges Nepalese people to defy gov't ban+(Japan Economic Newswire Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)KATHMANDU, Jan. 18_(Kyodo) _ The top leader of Nepal's Maoist rebels urged people Wednesday to defy the government's ban on public gatherings in Kathmandu. In a statement, Prachanda called for a demonstration of the people's power by defying the government's prohibitory order issued Monday. He made the remarks ahead of a rally that main political parties plan to stage Friday against King Gyanendra, who seized power nearly a year ago in a royal coup. Prachanda, however, said that the rebels would have no role in the protest. "As far as we are concerned, there will be no infiltration, or use of force, or provocation of any kind in Friday's rally," he said in the statement. Following deadly raids on police stations in the capital by the rebels on Saturday, the government on Monday issued the order banning meetings, rallies and sit-ins. The government has also asked people to stay away from Friday's rally, citing the likelihood of violence perpetrated by the rebels. On Tuesday, leaders of the country's main political parties said they will actively defy the government ban and stage a protest as scheduled. |