 Police in Nepal arrested 57 opposition protesters Friday as King Gyanendra plunged the Himalayan country into a communications blackout, cutting phone service to thwart efforts to organize nationwide rallies against his recent seizure of power. The rallies, scheduled for Nepal's annual celebration of democracy called Democracy Day, were the first major protests planned against the king. Only eight protesters showed up in the capital, Katmandu, and they were promptly arrested. The poor turnout could be attributed to the king cutting phone services for almost 10 hours Friday and authorities detaining dozens of opposition leaders after he assumed power Feb. 1. |