NEPAL: Hundreds of Nepalis took to the streets of the capital yesterday, burning tyres, uprooting pavement barriers and blocking roads as they protested against a delay in plans to curtail the king's powers.
The demonstrations came a day after the new multi-party government deferred tabling a landmark resolution in parliament to check King Gyanendra's powers, saying it needed to expand cabinet and debate the move there first.
The government, formed last month after weeks of demonstrations against the king, urged calm and assured people the resolution would be tabled tomorrow.
The protesters came in buses to various places around the capital of Kathmandu and used the vehicles to block roads, witnesses said. They shouted slogans against the king and the political parties, burned tyres on roads and uprooted metal barriers on footpaths. Four vehicles were damaged.
Dozens also gathered outside the secretariat, which houses parliament and the prime minister's office. "Down with monarchy", "Gyanendra thief, leave the country", "down with corrupt leaders", they shouted.
"I don't think these leaders are capable of doing this," said Govinda Rayamajhi, one of the protesters, referring to the special proclamation that needs to be approved by parliament.
Home minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula said: "We are committed to presenting it to parliament."