Riot police and students clash in Nepalese capital

KATHMANDU, (AFP) - Riot police and stone-throwing students demanding the release of jailed colleagues clashed in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, witnesses said.

Police baton-charged a crowd of around 100 demonstrators after they refused an order to disperse, a police official said, asking to remain anonymous.

Simlal Bhattarai, president of the pro-left All-Nepal Students Union, said a dozen students were injured in the clashes. However police said injuries were "minimal".

The protesters were calling for the release of seven students picked up for torching pictures of the royal family in a protest two weeks ago against King Gyanendra's seizure of power.

The students are also protesting against the arrest of popular student leader Gagan Thapa for chanting anti-king slogans.

Bhattarai also said reports from around Nepal indicated over 100 colleges had on Monday planted black flags to protest against recent changes made in the school curriculum and the student arrests.

Six months ago, King Gyanendra sacked the elected government and assumed full executive powers, saying the move was necessary to face down a Maoist rebellion which has claimed around 12,000 lives since 1996.

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