Tens of thousands of protesters clash violently with police in Nepal

Tens of thousands of Nepalis joined a protest on November 23 in support of former King Gyanendra. The protest took place on the outskirts of Kathmandu and protesters tried to remove barricades to move towards the center of Nepal's capital, AP reported.

Protesters and police clash in Kathmandu, Nepal on November 23.

Weeks of protests in 2006 forced then-King Gyanendra to abdicate. Two years later, a newly elected parliament voted to abolish the 239-year-old monarchy and declare Nepal a republic with the president as head of state.

Since then, Mr. Gyanendra has lived as an ordinary citizen without any power or protection. A part of the people still support him but the chance of him returning to power is considered very small.

Riot police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd

Supporters of the former king have been pouring into Kathmandu from all over the country to call for the restoration of the monarchy. The protesters have criticized and accused the current government of corruption and mismanagement. They have also demanded that Nepal return to its former Hindu state. Nepal was declared a secular state in 2007.

Riot police used various tools including bamboo sticks, tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters. Injuries were reported on both sides. Authorities banned protests in key areas of the city ahead of the demonstration.

Riot police used tear gas and water cannons to stop the protesters from throwing rocks in return.

"Police were just trying to control the chaotic protesting crowd," Kathmandu governor Jitendra Basnet told Reuters, saying some police were injured by stone-throwing protesters.

Mr. Durga Prasai, coordinator of the protest movement, emphasized the demands and vowed to continue the demonstration, calling for a general strike in Kathmandu on November 24. He said about 10 protesters were injured in the clashes, including two in critical condition.

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