DHAKA: Nepal has plunged deeper into crisis after feuding politicians, throwing microphones and shoes, failed to meet a deadline to table a new constitution, seen as a key step to stability in the Himalayan state.

Parliament Speaker, Subash Nembang, was forced to adjourn a late-night session of parliament on Thursday, after scuffles between opposition politicians brought a halt to proceedings, reports the AL Jazeera.

Opposition politicians threw microphones and shoes at each other, after the Maoist-led opposition stormed the well of the main chamber. Three security marshals were reportedly injured in the scuffles.

Authorities were forced to deploy 1,000 police to guard parliament after the violence spilled onto the streets, with 2,000 flag-waving protesters demonstrating outside.

Nepal’s rival parties have spent years mired in deadlock while trying to reach agreement on a national constitution.

The ruling alliance, led by the Nepali Congress, had hoped to develop a new constitution, but protests by the main opposition Maoist party meant a self-imposed deadline was missed.

BDST: 1611 HRS, JAN 23, 2015