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More than 20 dead in Nepal clashes
YOUR E-MAIL ALERTSKATHMANDU, Nepal (CNN) -- Fifteen Maoist rebels and six Nepalese soldiers died in an armed confrontation that occurred in a remote area south of Kathmandu, according to the United Defense Forces. The Royal Nepalese Army reportedly used night-vision helicopters for bombings on the ground during the clash about 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Kathmandu. Details of the incident remained sketchy. On Saturday, more than 200 pro-democracy activists were arrested across the country as they organized rallies protesting the absolute rule of King Gyanendra. The king took absolute control of the country in February, suspending Parliament and sacking the government, citing a Maoist threat as justification. He has promised to restore multi-party democracy and basic civil and human rights, but he is under international pressure to move quickly. Municipal elections are scheduled for next month, but less than 15 percent of Nepalese are eligible to vote. Protesters claim the upcoming election is a sham as the king will still hold absolute power. They want the election to be canceled and a constitutional assembly to take place. -- Journalist C.K. Lal contributed to this report 
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