After three months of inconclusive negotiations, the Maoist rebels launched a series of attacks November 23 on police posts, army barracks, and government offices across the country, killing scores of cops and soldiers. Negotiations broke off after the government refused to consider elections for a constituent assembly to write a new constitution, the main demand of the guerrilla group. Although there is an elected parliament, the country is ruled by King Gyanendra.

Under the state of emergency the police and army are given wide powers to search, arrest, and detain suspects, and to use force as needed. Constitutional articles guarantee ing freedom of speech and assembly and freedom of the press were also suspended. The government also mobilized the army to fight the rebel force.

The emergency order is in force for three months, after which it must be ratified by parliament. The steps against "terror" suspects do not have to be reviewed for six months.

King Gyanendra received backing for the repressive measures from Washington and European Commission officials. The latter "regretted" the "carefully planned and systematic" attacks by the rebels. The government of India said the state of emergency was a "necessary step."

The leader of the main opposition in parliament, the Unified Marxist-Leninist Party, said "his party was not consulted and he was suspicious of the government's motives," according to the Financial Times of London.  
 
 
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