Tribhuvan University is holding three convocation ceremonies this year to make up for those it failed to host in the past three years due to political disturbances. When Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal visited the university's main campus in Kirtipur for its 34th convocation ceremony today, he was greeted with black flags by Maoist cadres who also pelted his motorcade with stones.

The protesters tried to block the PM from attending the ceremony. Police charged them with batons, but some Maoist cadres entered the convocation venue and chanted slogans as soon as he started his address to the students.

The Maoists have announced a nationwide protest to pressurise the government to table a resolution in Parliament against the President's move to reinstate the army chief last year, which they have been calling 'unconstitutional'.

They have been boycotting official functions involving the President, the Prime Minister and other ministers.

"It is said that education should pass through their character," Nepal said. "They seem to lack morality." He also complained about the growing culture of anarchy in the country's universities.

On Monday, the Maoists tried to block President Ram Baran Yadav from attending a function in Pokhara. The day before, they tried to prevent the PM from attending Purbanchal University's convocation ceremony in Biratnagar.