Pro-democracy activists in Nepal fought pitched battles with police in Kathmandu on Wednesday, battling teargas volleys with bricks, stones and slogans as protests mounted against King Gyanendra.
At least 200 protesters opposed to the king - who sacked the government in February and seized absolute power - were arrested while trying to enter the city centre where rallies are banned. "Down with autocracy. We want democracy," the crowd shouted as baton-wielding policemen chased them into narrow lanes.
Police lobbed teargas shells to disperse the mob, who retaliated by throwing bricks and stones. Two protesters and four policemen were injured in the clashes, witnesses said.
Protests have flared in Nepal since last week when Maoist rebels - fighting to overthrow the Hindu monarchy - announced a unilateral cease-fire to try to win over parties opposed to the king.
The country has been in turmoil since the king's power grab, which he said was needed to crush a revolt that has killed over 12,500 people since 1996. Wednesday's protests began hours after authorities freed more than 500 activists held during similar protests a day earlier.
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