Asian Politics

Nepalese Clash With Police

Nepalese demonstrators demanding King Gyanendra immediately quits the royal palace clashed with police in the capital, Kathmandu, a day after lawmakers declared the country a republic and abolished the 240-year-old Shah dynasty.

At least 10 people were injured when police wielding bamboo sticks beat stone-throwing protesters trying to break a security cordon around Narayanhiti palace yesterday. The government said it will notify the king that he has 15 days to move out.

Nepal's newly elected parliament voted May 28 to scrap the monarchy, the key demand of the former rebel CPN (Maoist) group which staged a 10-year insurgency that ended with a peace accord in 2006. The Maoists won most seats in last month's general elections.

The king, who hasn't publicly commented on his plans, will receive a letter from Cabinet's political committee today notifying him of the Constituent Assembly's decision to declare Nepal a federal democratic republic and the deadline for his departure. Nepalese demonstrators demanding King Gyanendra immediately quits the royal palace clashed with police in the capital, Kathmandu, a da... more

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