KATHMANDU, Aug 8: Supporters of Maoist rebels fighting to turn Nepal into a secular republic joined forces with Hindu activists to picket the kingdom's premier beauty pageant.

The activists, mostly women, tore down a ceremonial archway leading to a Kathmandu convention centre where Miss Nepal was to be crowned, but police sealed off the area before the pageant opened Saturday evening.

"Down with the exploitation of women and Nepalese culture!" hundreds of pro-Maoist and Hindu demonstrators chanted under close watch of police.

Payal Shakya, 18, was crowned Miss Nepal after competing against 17 other candidates and will represent the Himalayan state at the next Miss World and Miss Asia-Pacific pageants.

In the final round, Shakya was asked what she would do if she were prime minister of Nepal, which is torn by a civil war that has claimed nearly 10,000 lives since 1996. "I would push forward development, maintain law and order and improve education," Shakya replied. -AFP