Hundreds of policemen on Thursday searched people who came to this southeast Nepal city to attend a mass rally protesting King Gyanendra's direct rule.
Government and police officials said they had instructions to search everyone entering the city and to step up security in Janakpur, about 300 kilometers (190 miles) southeast of the capital, Kathmandu, and surrounding areas.
The rally, organised by an alliance of the seven major political parties in Nepal, was expected to draw thousands of people.
Rally organisers alleged that government troops were harassing the participants and tearing down posters.
"The security forces along the highway are harassing the people who are heading for the rally," Ram Krishna Yadav of the Nepali Congress party said.
"They were being forced to get out of the buses, stand in line and being checked for hours." Keshav Badal of the Communist Party of Nepal said policemen were tearing down posters and banners promoting the rally.
"We have reports of thousands of people coming this way on buses, trucks and even on foot to attend the protest rally," Badal said.
There have been scores of protests since King Gyanendra seized power last year and formed a royal administration. Seven major political parties in Nepal have formed an alliance to pressure the monarch into giving up powers and restoring democracy in Nepal.
{{/usCountry}}There have been scores of protests since King Gyanendra seized power last year and formed a royal administration. Seven major political parties in Nepal have formed an alliance to pressure the monarch into giving up powers and restoring democracy in Nepal.
{{/usCountry}}The king said he took power because previous governments had failed to curb a growing communist insurgency and clean up corruption.