Nepalese troops used rubber bullets, tear gas and batons to disperse hundreds of lawyers trying to stage a pro-democracy rally in the capital, Kathmandu Thursday.

Members of the Nepal Bar Association say at least three lawyers were wounded.

Nepal Troops Fire on Lawyers, 3 Wounded

The government has banned public gatherings in Kathmandu and surrounding areas.

Nepal Troops Fire on Lawyers, 3 Wounded

At least four people have died and hundreds have been wounded in clashes with security forces since pro-democracy rallies began last week. The protesters are demanding an end to King Gyanendra's absolute power and the restoration of multi-party democracy.

Nepal Troops Fire on Lawyers, 3 Wounded

The United States has canceled this week's planned visit to Nepal by a Congressional delegation, citing safety concerns.

Earlier, the United States and India urged Nepal's King to initiate talks with political parties as a step toward restoring democracy in the country.

King Gyanendra dismissed the elected government and seized absolute power in February of last year, saying the government had failed to control a violent communist insurgency. Nearly 13,000 people have been killed in the decade-old insurgency.