Protestors demand monarchy in Nepal

Riot police used batons and tear gas to halt tens of thousands of supporters out on streets of Nepal’s former king who attempted to march to the center of the capital on Thursday to demand the restoration of the monarchy and the nation's former status as a Hindu state. The protesters, waving the national flag and chanting slogans supporting former King Gyanendra, gathered on the edge of Kathmandu and attempted to move toward the center of the city. Riot police blocked them, beating them with bamboo batons and firing tear gas and a water cannon. There were minor injuries on both sides. Authorities had banned protests in key areas of the city prior to the rally. “We love our king and country more than our lives. Bring back the monarchy. Abolish the republic,” the crowd chanted.