NEPAL: Nepal's king has sacked the government, declared a state of emergency and assumed power, saying the leadership had failed to hold polls or restore peace amid an escalating civil war with Maoist rebels.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on King Gyanendra to restore democratic institutions promptly. Ms Louise Arbour, who met King Gyanendra during an official visit to the Himalayan kingdom last week, also expressed concern yesterday that cabinet members had been put under house arrest.
The king took power for the next three years. "I have decided to dissolve the government because it has failed to make necessary arrangements to hold elections by April and promote democracy, the sovereignty of the people and life and property," the king said in an address on state radio.
He said a new government would be formed under his leadership to "restore peace and effective democracy in this country within the next three years", according to the Press Trust of India.
Shortly afterwards, a state of emergency was declared, PTI said, quoting Nepal's state-run television. Fixed and mobile phone networks were apparently shut down and communications links with the rest of the world disrupted. International flights were turned back from Kathmandu airport until late yesterday and Nepalese news websites went down, although road links with India remained open.
The sacked prime minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba, was Nepal's 13th premier in its 14 turbulent years as a constitutional monarchy. Nepal has had no parliament since 2002.
In a strongly worded statement, neighbouring India said the move would bring the monarchy and mainstream parties into direct confrontation and would strengthen the Maoists and undermine democracy.
India is Nepal's largest trading partner and has been a major supplier of military aid to Nepal's army. New Delhi had been trying to convince the king to form a front with political parties against the Maoists.
PTI said armoured vehicles were on the streets in Kathmandu and security was increased. However the resident UN co-ordinator in Nepal said the situation seemed calm. - (Reuters)