52 detained in Nepal as protests turn violent

An official says police in Nepal have clashed with protesters using violence to enforce a general strike, detaining at least 52 of them.

Police spokesman Binod Singh says the protesters have attacked and burned at least two dozen vehicles that were defying Sunday's general strike called by Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities.

The group had called for businesses to close and vehicles to stay off the streets to support their demand that states proposed in the new constitution be marked on the basis of ethnic groups.

The Federation of Nepalese Journalists said it has reports of protesters also attacking journalists.

Most markets and shops remained closed and highways were deserted Sunday. Singh said security has been stepped up.