Parties’ showdown in capital

Despite the government ban orders issued to foil the seven-party alliance’s showdown, the alliance staged a protest demonstration in the capital on Saturday (Jan.21). Almost 300 political activists from the alliance were arrested, some being injured during the demonstrations staged at New Road and Bashantapur areas.
The government earlier last week had issued ban orders on any kind of protest rallies and peaceful assemblies within the Ring Road areas followed by a night curfew from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. and then a daylong curfew on Friday that crippled normal life and the parties' scheduled massive protest demonstration, which was expected to be the largest one since the Feb.1 royal takeover.

Our photographers bring you Saturday, Jan.21 in pictures: