Across Asia: Nepal

Protesters, police clash

Baton-wielding policemen beat back hundreds of protesters in Nepal's capital yesterday demanding the resignation of the president whose refusal to dismiss the army chief has pushed the Himalayan nation into a new political crisis.

The 300 protesters gathered near President Ram Baran Yadav's compound in the capital, Katmandu, and tried to push past hundreds of policemen in riot gear. Scuffles broke out and police used bamboo batons to halt the protesters. Several demonstrators were slightly injured.