As the King of Nepal moved decisively to take charge of the country's affairs_clamping down on the media and posting soldiers outside the homes of political leaders placed under house arrest_the Maoists gave the situation a new twist.

Till Tuesday, they were painted as villains of the piece and New Delhi had hoped that political parties and the monarchy would join hands to take them on.

On Wednesday, the Maoists tried to raise a common front against King Gyanendra as they offered to join hands with the same political forces they had been fighting till now.

Signed by Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) leader, Prachanda, their statement appealed to different parties and groups ``to create a storm of countrywide rebellion''. It added: ``We would like to clarify at this juncture that our party is prepared to establish a broad front with all those who are against feudal democracy.''

The idea, however, is to let the dust to settle so that talks can be initiated with the monarchy as well as the political parties.

Right now, that seems difficult. All communication links have been snapped. At least 13 leaders were taken away by the Army and another 28 were reportedly placed under house arrest. In some cases, sources said, soldiers moved into the houses of political leaders, snatched their mobile phones and snapped their telephone connections to isolate them.

The same armoured personnel carriers and minesweepers that Nepal received from India as part of the assistance package to counter the Maoists are now seen on streets of Kathmandu as part of the new crackdown.

However, flights to Kathmandu were restored on Wednesday with Indian Airlines operating the first flight out of New Delhi around noon on Wednesday. While the ATC hotlines are still not operational, sources said, a flight crossing Varanasi was able to make contact with Kathmandu ATC which confirmed that planes were being allowed to land and depart from the airport.

Meanwhile, although he has cracked down on politicians, the King remains fully aware that he will have to rely on the support of the common man. He has promised to make foodgrains more easily available and there is talk of soft loans for local development.

New Delhi has still not contacted Kathmandu as it waits for the situation to unfold. However, Kathmandu has taken the first step.

Nepal's Army chief, General Pyaar Jung Thapa has invited India's new Army chief J J Singh to visit Kathmandu.

जे मन लाग्यो त्यहि भनिदिने सोम? भन्दैमा हुने भए त यँहा सबै जना ले सोचेको कुरा १ रात मा नै हुनेछ
हद हुन्छ नि

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