Thousands protest at Nepal's king

King Gyanendra is battling the Maoists and political parties

Thousands of protesters have taken part in rallies across Nepal as part of mounting protests against the king.

An alliance of five political parties opposes King Gyanendra's assumption of executive powers in October 2002.

It has stepped up its campaign because demands for the restoration of the dissolved parliament have not been met.

The BBC's Navin Singh Khadka in Kathmandu says the parties are now beginning to question the future of Nepal's monarchy.

Maoist fight

Student and youth wings of the parties chanted anti-monarchy and pro-republican slogans during Friday's rallies.

Despite their criticism of the king, the parties have not yet openly opposed the institution of monarchy.

Analysts say that if they do so now, the king will find himself in an increasingly difficult position.

The country's Maoist rebels have long called for the replacement of the monarchy with a republic.