AKIPRESS.COM - Japanese opposition lawmakers were battling on Thursday to prevent a vote on security bills that could allow troops to fight abroad for the first time since World War Two, part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's agenda to ease the limits of the pacifist constitution.

The policy shift, which Abe says is vital to meet challenges such as a rising China, has sparked huge public protests and sharply eroded popular support for the premier, reports Reuters.

Opponents argue it violates the constitution and fear it could ensnare Japan in U.S.-led conflicts.

Objections by shouting and jostling opposition members, who have vowed to block passage before parliament disperses on Sept. 27, delayed the start of an upper house panel whose approval is needed before the full chamber can vote the bills into law.

Thousands of demonstrators had rallied the day before near parliament chanting "Scrap the war bills" and "Abe resign" and were gathering in the rain again on Thursday.