Nepali Home Minister Kamal Thapa said that the government could impose a curfew or declare a state of emergency "depending on the situation."

"If needed, the government may impose a curfew or declare a state of emergency as per the law and constitution, depending upon the situation," said Thapa at a press conference at his office here on Friday.

The minister's warning comes a day after the seven-party alliance's nationwide four-day general strike began.

Thapa said that the anti-government forces were trying to dismantle the state by the use of violence and terror.

Claiming that the ongoing protests were not peaceful, Thapa said, "The activities seen in the streets over the past two days show that it is not peaceful as violence has escalated."

Thapa said that by indulging in violence, the guerrillas were enticing government to use force.

Because the seven parties are mixed with the guerrillas, "we are trying to bring the situation under control by using a minimum force," the minister said.

"The government is working with patience so that the situation does not go out of control," he added.

Source: Xinhua