As the Nepali year Bikram Sambat 2062 came to an end today protests for the restoration of democracy continued nationwide on a more peaceful scale than the last few days.

In Kathmandu legal practitioners Tanka Prasad Chaulagain, and Ramchandra Simkhada, were critically injured when security personnel fired rubber bullets at a peaceful demonstration organised by the Nepal Bar Association in Baber Mahal this morning. Over 72 were arrested and several injuries were reported.

Police also intervened in a peaceful sit-in program organised by Association of International NGOs in Nepal and took 200 into custody in Maitighar.

A mass meeting called by the seven party alliance took place in Gongabu and protests were also held in Chuchepati. In Kiritpur the people held cultural programs as a means of protest while students sang revolutionary songs and recited poetry. Outside Kathmandu Valley protests have been reported from Palpa and Bardiya. Mobile phones lines have also been restored.

King Gyanendra is expected to make announcements tomorrow, the first day of the Nepali New Year 2063 BS.