Scribes baton-charged in Nepal

The injured have been admitted to the Kathmandu Model Hospital for treatment.

The incident occurred as the journalists started the rally from the FNJ office at Tilaganga and marched about one kilometre. Police intervened before the scribes could organise a corner meeting, the sources said.

Major political parties, including Nepali Congress and Nepal Communist Party-UML, condemned the police action.

On Thursday, police also opened fire at a peaceful demonstration organised by lawyers in Babar Mahal in which six lawyers sustained bullet injuries. More than 70 lawyers who were arrested were released later.

The demonstrations took place at Chabahil, Baneshwor, Kalanki, Gongabun and Thamel amid heavy deployment of armed security personnel despite lifting of curfew.

Meanwhile, the International Commission of Jurists ICJ warned the royal government against its crackdown on peaceful demonstrations across Nepal. 8216;8216;The international community is eyeing on Nepal and those responsible for human rights violations should be aware that they are accountable to national and international laws for their actions,8217;8217; said Nicholas Howen, ICJ General Secretary.