Kathmandu, June 01: Dozens of Nepalis were injured in protests across the country on Saturday as opposition parties kept up their pressure on the king for a new government of national unity, a day after the caretaker prime minister quit.
Organisers said thousands joined the nationwide protests and dozens were hurt when police used batons to break up rallies in at least three towns. There were no serious injuries.

"We don't want an arbitrary king," said pamphlets handed out by chanting protesters, some waving red flags, as they marched peacefully through the narrow, ancient streets of Kathmandu.
After eight months of increasing protests, Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand - the 12th prime minister since 1990 - resigned on Friday to help ease pressure from opposition parties on King Gyanendra.

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Gyanendra appointed Chand, widely seen as the king's man, after assuming executive powers and sacking Chand's predecessor in October in a row over the timing of national elections.

Chand's resignation brought fresh uncertainty to the troubled Himalayan nation and cast a shadow over peace talks with Maoist rebels.
Bureau Report