Nepalese police have fired bullets and tear gas to disperse tens of thousands of anti-monarchy protesters. The demonstrators had defied a curfew and were marching towards the centre of the capital, Kathmandu.
At least 75 people were reportedly injured as the city was rocked by protests for the 16th day in a row. The latest unrest came as a seven-party alliance rejected overtures by King Gyanendra to form a government. Party leaders said the King must reinstate the country's parliament by Sunday night - or they will do it themselves.
Police had opened fire in two places, one only half a mile from the royal palace. Police waded in on
marchers.Lorryloads of armed police ringed the city centre, while armed troops took up position around the palace. Helicopters flew overhead.
Gyanendra has promised to restore democracy but the protesters have dismissed the offer as a "sham".
A new eight-hour, day-time curfew was imposed on Saturday in Kathmandu and neighbouring areas of the capital. At least 12 people have been killed and hundreds more hurt since pro-democracy demonstrations began at the start of April.
On Friday, King Gyanendra appeared to back down, saying he was restoring political power to the people. He asked the alliance spearheading the pro-democracy campaign to name a new prime minister.
But some leaders said the king had not gone far enough and vowed to continue protesting. They want the king's powers limited by a new constitution - a demand he has so far rejected.
