Nepal's king tightens his grip

In the capital, Kathmandu, troops were deployed to enforce a virtual news blackout, and armed personnel carriers took to the streets to deter political opposition.

Phonelines and internet links remained cut, but air links were restored.

Journalists outside the premises of Kantipur Radio said the army was vetting all news reports. A newspaper proprietor said soldiers had entered his publication's office to ensure that no politically sensitive stories were printed.

The first act of King Gyanendra's handpicked cabinet was to ban strikes in essential public services. In response the Maoist guerrillas called for a three-day national stoppage.

Analysts say that with politicians confined to their homes, the king is heading for a clash with the Maoists, whose 17,000-strong rebel army has waged a civil war on the state for nearly 10 years. More than 11,000 people have been killed.

The rebel leader, Prachonda, said the king's action smacked of medieval feudal autocracy, and the Maoists would work with "all pro-people forces and all those who are against feudal autocracy".

Human rights activists said a number of prominent campaigners had been taken in for questioning by the security services.

One activist said: "The political parties were part of the democratic set-up and could not condone the excessive use of force. But without the politicians, who will discourage the military from such actions?

"We have already seen killings and torture. The international community must convince the king of his error before the war escalates beyond control."

Palace officials denied that Tuesday's takeover was a coup.

"This is a kidnap of democracy," Pimalendra Nidhi, the sacked education minister, told the Guardian.

"We are turning the clock back after so much struggle to get democracy."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,1404375,00.html