Crisis grows as forces kill 4 protesters

Security forces have killed 10 Nepalis since April 6.
KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) -- Nepal's crisis grew bloodier Wednesday when security forces fatally shot four pro-democracy protesters as the government imposed a curfew in the capital to prevent a huge rally urging the king to loosen his grip on power.
Two weeks of often-violent protests and a general strike against palace rule have paralyzed Nepal, leaving cities short of food and fuel and the country at its most volatile since the monarch seized power 14 months ago.
The royal government has responded harshly, claiming Nepal's communist insurgents -- who are now allied with the opposition -- have infiltrated rallies to sow violence. Police have beaten, tear gassed and arrested thousands of protesters.
A total of 10 Nepalis, including the four Wednesday, have been slain by security forces in this Hindu kingdom once known as Shangri-La since the opposition launched a strike April 6.
Officials claimed security forces opened fire only after being shot at during an assault by brick-throwing protesters in Chandragadi, about 310 miles southeast of Katmandu. The government has made such claims in the past, though no shootings by protesters have been independently verified.
The region's chief administrator, Bhola Siwakoti, also said the demonstrators defied a ban on protests and were looting.
There were conflicting reports of how many were killed. The Defense Ministry said two people were dead, another Nepali official put the toll at four, and a U.N. official said it was five. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the situation's sensitivity.
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