Nepal security forces on high alert to stop violence in protests by former communist rebels

Katmandu, Nepal: Nepal's government has ordered security forces to be on high alert to stop any possible violence during street protests by former communist rebels against the president and government.

Information Minister Shanker Pokhrel says the government has ordered police and the army to be on high alert to maintain law and order in the country.

Thousands of policemen in riot gear were mobilized across the country Wednesday.