Clashes mar Nepal king's birthday

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Clashes mar Nepal king's birthday

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uploaded by Maireid Sullivan

Nine people, including two police officers, were hurt
when the king's supporters were attacked by members of the Youth
Communist League, police say.

The unrest followed an opposition rally near the palace, where the king is holding three days of celebrations.

Government ministers and foreign diplomats have boycotted ceremonies marking the occasion.

King Gyanendra took the throne in 2001 after a palace
massacre, when the then crown prince is reported to have killed his
parents, most members of the royal family and himself.

In 2005 he sacked the government and took absolute
power, but last year was forced to hand power back to political parties
after a wave of pro-democracy street protests.

The republican Youth Communist League has accused the
king and his supporters of exploiting the celebrations to try to become
politically active again.

Many foreign dignitaries, including those from India, the US and the EU, will not attend the birthday receptions.