 King Gyanendra of Nepal has dissolved the government and declared a state of emergency, taking control of the Himalayan kingdom. Flights have been suspended in and out of the capital, Kathmandu. In addition, phone and communication lines were immediately shut down after a national broadcast on Tuesday by the monarch. (image at left from CNN Article On King of Nepal - please click to read more.)
The king accused the government of failing to conduct elections for parliament. In a speech on state run television, he also said that the government's policy of restoring peace in the country had failed. Nepal faces a continuing insurrection by Maoist guerrillas, which the government has fought with varying levels of success.
According to unconfirmed reports out of India, the king has placed politicians under house arrest. Soldiers have been seen guarding the house of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and other leaders in the government. Armouered personnel and vehicles have been spotted in the streets of Kathmandu.
This is the second time in three years that the monarch has taken such action. Being the supreme commander of the Nepalese Army, he has given enhanced power to security forces to maintain law and order.
The king reported in his speech that his actions were meant to help restore peace and democracy, as well as to prevent the former government from plunging the country into crises. He also said that human rights would be respected.
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