Large-scale protests were taking place across Nepal, against the authoritarian rule of King Guyenendra, and for the re-establishment of democratic rule in Nepal. The sustained protests were the largest ever against King Guyenendra, who is under siege both by the pro-democracy protestors, as well as the 10-year Maoist insurgency. Although the government's Armed Police Forces have cracked down on the protests brutally, and several people have been killed, they have not succeeded in stopping large numbers of Nepalis from taking to the streets. In April 2006, Nepal's 10-year conflict between Maoist rebels, democratic forces and the absolute monarchy of King Guyenendra came to a climax, with uprisings in urban areas across the country. Weeks of turmoil, street fighting and large-scale protests ended with King Guyenendra relinquishing power, the subsequent re-establishment of democratic rule, and the end of the decade-long civil war.