http://www.ndtv.com/template/template.asp?template=Nepalturmoil&slug=Thousands+rally+for+democracy+in+Nepal&id=19217&callid=0&category=International Thursday, April 20, 2006 (Kathmandu): Nearly one lakh people have defied the 18-hour curfew in Kathmandu and have come out on the streets to join an opposition sponsored pro-democracy rally. The government had issued shoot-at-sight orders in the capital. The curfew came into effect at 2:00 am (local tinme) and will be in place till 8:00 pm. The government has already banned all public meetings and has doubled the detention period for human rights campaigners and opposition politicians who are in jail. Two protestors were killed in the southeast Jhapa district in police firing on Wednesday. At least eight people have died in the violent pro-democracy protests in the country. Softening of stand In indications of a softening of stand, King Gyanendra has reportedly renewed his offer of the prime minister's post to Krishna Prasad Bhattarai. The King is believed to have sent a palace emissary to meet Bhattarai, who has turned down the offer. There are also reports that the King may address the nation tonight and renew his offer of talks with political parties. But the parties are unlikely to accept such an offer. They want the monarch to set a date and name a venue for the talks.