As protests continued in Nepal for the 18th straight day, the seven-party alliance, which has demanded the reinstatement of parliament as the first condition for government formation, waited for a response from King Gyanendra.

The political parties and the Maoists have demanded that the King use Article 127 to revive parliament, which in turn can pass a resolution to form an interim government.

“Let the King reinstate parliament on condition that the government formed after that can even call for election to the constituent assembly and we will take the offer,” said Arjun Narsingh K, a member of the Congress working committee. “Of course, the Maoists will have to agree for a ceasefire and settle the issue of their arms management as a pre-condition for elections,” he added.

But with only silence emanating from Narayanhiti Palace, political leaders are increasingly worried about the prospect of demonstrators resorting to violence.

Yesterday, thousands of SMS messages made the rounds of Kathmandu, urging people to come and “gherao” the royal palace. Some protesters even attempted to set ablaze the house of a senior police officer.

While the government has stopped SMS services, alliance leaders, who felt that such incidents could discredit the movement and ruin chances of an early solution, held a meeting to discuss the issue.

Today, as the protests continued in defiance of the curfew, three people were injured when police opened fire.

“Police and soldiers, you are our brothers. Shoot Gyanendra,” one group chanted at the riot police. “We will burn the crown and we will run the country.” —(With Reuters)