Maoists stage mass protest in Nepal

Riot police have clashed with Maoist activists protesting against Nepal’s government.

Thousands of demonstrators converged on Kathmandu in the worst standoff since the Maoists quit the ruling coalition earlier this year.

They were led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, widely known as Prachanda, whose resignation as prime minister followed a row over how the army is run.

“This protest is for the people, to restore people’s rights and fight for people’s sovereignty,” he told reporters. “We are getting increasing support from the people.”

His Maoists waged a decade-long civil war in Nepal which ended under a peace deal in 2006. They emerged as the biggest party in last year’s elections and got the monarchy abolished.

But recent turmoil has stalled the peace process.

While the protest was mostly peaceful, police lobbed tear gas at some demonstrators and at least one Maoist member of parliament was injured.

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tags: Demonstration, Nepal