SANAA: Thousands of people took to the streets of the Yemeni capital, calling for an end to the reign of the President, Ali Abdullah Saleh, in some of the biggest anti-government rallies Yemen has seen for a decade.

Spurred by events in Tunisia and Egypt, students and opposition activists assembled at four points across the capital on Thursday chanting for Mr Saleh to quit after 32 years in power.

Pink revolution ... Yemeni protesters say they have adopted the colour pink to show they do not want violence. Credit:AFP

''It's over, Saleh, your time is up!'' shouted a crowd of students, rattling the gates of Sanaa University.

''Look at Tunisia with pride,'' the crowds chanted. ''Yemen has strong people, too.''