Anti-king protesters hurt in Nepal demo

Thousands of demonstrators staging a protest against Nepal’s king were beaten back by police to in the capital Katmandu in clashes that injured about 60 protesters, police and witnesses said.

About 200 riot police charged with bamboo batons at the protesters, who were holding a rally against the king for firing an elected government and replacing it with a pro-monarchy government last year.

The government had banned such protests, saying they would endanger lives and property.

But about 5,000 protesters, who are supporters of Nepal’s five major political parities, defied the ban and rallied in Bhotahiti neighbourhood in the heart of the capital, Katmandu.

Police officials at the scene said they had orders to break up the protests using any force necessary. The injured protesters were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Doctors at the Bir Hospital said many had bruises and cuts, and some had broken ribs and cracked skulls.

The five political parties have said the government appointed by King Gyanendra, led by pro-monarchist Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand, is unconstitutional and have called for fresh elections.

Gyanendra ascended the throne in 2001 after his brother, Birendra, and eight other members of the royal family were allegedly gunned down by the crown prince, who then took his own life.