Police arrested over 300 protestors this morning in Pokhara where thousands came out in the streets defying the curfew order to protest against King Gyanendra's autocratic rule. The local administration had ordered a curfew from 8AM to 9PM for today in the scenic resort town yesterday evening after increasing public participation in the protests. One person has already been killed by army firing in the last week during ongoing demonstrations here.

In Kathmandu artists, musicians, radio jockeys and media persons expressed solidarity with the ongoing people's movement in a program in Swayambhu this morning. The participants wore white bands, sang songs and lit traditional butter lamps. They have vowed to continue wearing the white bands until peace and democracy is restored in Nepal.

Meanwhile preparations are going on for tomorrows protest called by the seven party alliance in the capital. The political parties have called upon the public to send at least one person from each house tomorrow to show support for the peoples movement.

Indian special envoy Dr Karan Singh and his team which includes former foreign minister Jaswant Singh and foreign secretary Shyam Saran are expected to arrive in the capital today.

The people's movement for complete democracy is now garnering massive public support throughout the country with thousands including government employees and others from all walks of life joining in. Clashes between police and demonstrators are taking place everyday with ever increasing casualties. Taking note of the excessive use of force to put down the protests Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) have jointly called on the international community to impose targeted sanctions covering King Gyanendra, Vice-Chairman Dr Tulsi Giri, three ministers and the heads of various security agencies.