The King of Nepal, after 13 years of partial democracy, has sacked the ruling government and installed himself as sole ruler. While some saw it as stepping up attacks against the Maoist rebels, others saw it as a full on power-grab.

To ensure those pesky civilians don’t rise up and protest against him, he has kindly asked citizens to not critisize the government for a period of 6 months. Also, scores of political and Maoist leaders have been rounded up and detained.

To ensure the public keeps quiet, all Internet connectivity and International phone lines have been cut. (ed - since writing, these services seem to have been restored….for now). Also, all newspapers, radio and t.v. stations have been taken over by army troops, sent there to ‘censor’ all news about the crisis.

Oddly, the few locals brave enough to come forward seem to view the latest events in their country with indifference. Many seem bitter that the 13 year experiment with partial democracy has not seen any real improvement in their lives.

Regardless, lets hope people of the world show this dictator their satisfaction by leaving Kathmandu OFF their summer holiday plans.