Nepal police fire rubber bullets during US grant protest

Police in Nepal have fired rubber bullets and tear gas as hundreds of people protested over a $500m US grant going before parliament. Several people were injured in the demonstrations outside parliament in Kathmandu. Groups opposing the US funding have said it undermines Nepal's sovereignty. Parliament has until 28 February to ratify the deal, which has been delayed by divisions within political parties, including the ruling coalition. Some of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's coalition partners including Maoist politicians, seen as traditionally close to China, have questioned the deal, according to the AFP news agency. "Although they agreed to present the agreement in the parliament, it's still not clear whether all coalition partners will cast their vote in favour... Our efforts will continue to convince them," Prakash Sharan Mahat, spokesman for the ruling Nepali Congress party, told AFP. Image source, EPA. Image source, Reuters. The Millennium Challenge Corporation was created by the US Congress in 2004 and offers large grants to support economic growth and reduce poverty, according to Washington DC. Image source, EPA. Image source, Reuters.