‘‘As part of a non-cooperation movement against the royal government, we call upon the taxpayers not to pay any kind of taxes to the government and also for consumers not to pay anything for water, electricity, telephone or other services,’’ it said in a statement and appealed people to take part in a massive protest demonstration on April 20.

The SPA told people to pursue the principle of ‘‘no representation, no taxation’’ and also appealed to Nepalese abroad not to send their remittances to the government, said Nepali Congress central member Arjun Narsingh KC. They also asked labourers to boycott production works in the industries, in which royal family members are involved.

Security forces today arrested at least 24 journalists and fired rubber bullets at pro-democray activists in Kirtipur and Balkhu areas, injuring at least 18 people. The SPA also said the Maoists can join the movement if they are committed to the 12 point agreement and if they adopt peaceful means. The massive demonstration of Thursday will be held in Kathmandu. —With PTI