Bitter power struggle between Maoist rebels, parliamentary political parties and King Gyanendra worsened. Four separate strikes in Kathmandu called by Maoists and Nepal’s main opposition parties: 17 February strike in response to killing of 19 rebels by Nepalese army 6 February; subsequent 5-day strike called by Maoist students cut short 27 February as support waned. Several clashes between Maoists and government troops, including attack on Maoist camp in Kalikot district, claimed over 60 lives.

Conflict with Maoist rebels continued unabated. Mayor of southern city of Birgunj killed 15 January; bus explosion killed 3 on 16 January; government soldiers killed 7 Maoist rebels in Dolokha district 21 January. Students claimed anti- monarchy protests in Kathmandu and Pokhara resulted in 120 arrests. Pro-democracy protesters in Kathmandu 30 January called for King Gyanendra to fire loyalist PM. Maoists indicated could accept constitutional monarchy if king gave up control of army.

Violence continues unabated. Conflict spread into Terai lowland belt, where Maoist group Madhisey Liberation Front imposed 24-hour strike. U.S. Assistant Sec. State Christina Rocca met with government officials, raised issue of human rights abuses. Army, meanwhile, admitted instances of excessive force, promising to punish offenders. Government announced disarmament and reintegration plans for Maoist rebels, including amnesty, cash rewards for arms and munitions, and shelter and training if rebels surrender before 12 February; government has in past tried similar projects to diminish rebel ranks. Dozens injured in protests calling for all- party government and removal of royalist PM.

Bloody conflict dragging on since collapse of talks between government and Maoist rebels 27 August. More than 1,000 killed since breakdown of ceasefire. Rebels continue to insist on new constitution reducing role of King; monarchist government refuses. PM’s party joined opposition calls for his resignation 20 November because no progress made in instituting all-party government or restoring normal democratic process. Worrying new government policy of arming villagers to defend themselves against 'evil Maoist terrorists’ threatens to broaden conflict. Vague discussion of local elections being held within year but unlikely prospect in current security environment.

Crisis deepening since talks between government and Maoist rebels collapsed 27 August, with more than 1,000 killed since breakdown of ceasefire. No progress made in instituting all-party government or restoring normal democratic process, although some vague discussion of local elections being held within year – unlikely prospect in current security environment. Fighting slowed during nine-day Hindu festival Dashain, (2-11 October), but again intensified; conflict remains bogged down in one of its most lethal periods.

Violence continues unabated since talks between government and Maoist rebels collapsed on 27 August, with more than 400 dead since breakdown in ceasefire. Maoist-initiated general strike demanding abolition of monarchy brought country to virtual standstill for three days. Little progress made in instituting all-party government or restoring normal democratic process, and anxiety increasing about possible fall of government. Rebels announced would cease hostilities during nine-day Hindu festival of Dashain, beginning on 2 October.

Talks that resumed in mid-August between Government and Maoist rebels ended in stalemate. Rebels insist on new constitution redefining role of King; government only prepared to amend current constitution. Maoist leader Prachanda called off ceasefire on 27 August. Assassination attempts against several serving and former politicians blamed on Maoists. Battles on 30-31 August killed 9 rebels, 2 soldiers and 2 police; Maoists back on Government terrorist list; curfews imposed in much of country.