Nepal royalists stone Indian team

Royalists say the delegation's visit is political interference

At least 200 supporters of Nepal's King Gyanendra threw stones at a delegation of Indian politicians as it arrived in the capital, Kathmandu, on a visit.

The protesters waved black flags and shouted that India should keep out of Nepal's affairs.

The five-member team will meet leaders of a political alliance opposed to the king's direct rule.

The king took over power in February, saying politicians had failed to tackle the nation's Maoist insurgency.

'Interference'

The Indian delegation, on a three-day visit, includes members of India's governing Congress party and is headed by Communist Party of India-Marxist leader, Sitaram Yechury.

We want the restoration of democracy in Nepal Sitaram Yechury, Communist Party of India-Marxist

Royalists have dubbed the visit of the Indian politicians an interference in Nepal's internal affairs.

A local journalist in Kathmandu said no-one was hurt in the protests at the airport.

Mr Yechury told the BBC the delegation would not meet King Gyanendra and that on its return, it would urge the Indian government to press for a return to democratic government.

"We are lending our support and solidarity for democracy which, we think, is important not only for Nepal but also for the region and the world," Mr Yechury was quoted as saying by the Reuters agency.

"We want the restoration of democracy in Nepal."

India, along with key international donors such as the US and UK, criticised the royal takeover.

They have been calling upon King Gyanendra to reconcile with the opposition parties and restore democracy.

Nepal's opposition parties insist that the king should give up all executive powers to end the political crisis.

About 12,000 people have died in 10 years of Maoist insurgency in Nepal. The rebels want to replace the monarchy with a people's republic.