A group of eight journalists from Nepal have undertaken the task of carrying out a global campaign for restoring democracy in their kingdom.

After arranging protests in Nepal and Bangladesh, the group entered India 12 days ago and is now hoping to gain the Indian government's support for its struggle.

Rajendra Baid, one of the members of the group who began a fast after reaching here, said Nepal's King Gyanendra had imposed severe curbs on democracy and freedom of the press.

"Since India is the world's biggest democracy and is also close to Nepal, we have come to India to gather support from people and the government to pressurise the king to restore democracy in Nepal," Baid said Tuesday outside the Jantar Mantar monument in central Delhi, where he is on fast.

Baid, editor-in-chief of the weekly Vimarsh, said the group of journalists had written to the president and the prime minister of India, asking them to pressure the king to restore democracy.

Members of the group have also met leaders from several political parties to gather support. The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and the Congress have assured them of complete support, they claimed.

"There are over 5,000 journalists in Nepal who have been protesting against the king since February. We also enjoy the support of the people of our country," said Rishi Dhamala, president of the Reporters Club Nepal.

The group plans to return to Nepal Thursday.