Monday, February 7 2005 18:53 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Tightening its grip, Nepal's new royal Government today (Feb 7, 2005) banned political activities by public servants and all "direct or indirect" criticism of security forces engaged in fighting Maoist insurgency.

The new regime also announced its plan to set up a committee to hold unconditional talks with rebels, who are fighting to topple the multiparty democracy and have denounced King Gyanendra's action seizing power, describing him a "national betrayer."

A Government notification broadcast on State media said, any public comments made "directly or indirectly" about security forces "that is likely to have negative impact" have been banned and violators could be arrested.

Since the imposition of censorship after the seizure of power on Feb 1,2005, some newspapers in Kathmandu have been criticising the King in a subtle manner.

One such editorial in 'Nepali Times' weekly says about trees being cut down, a clever metaphor for a gagged press.

The article goes on to say how trees allow people to breathe freely, and how their roots hold the soil together and the need to "bring back greenery".

Banning political activities by public servants, the Government said it could seize private property when necessary.

The notification also said that the security forces could monitor telephone, fax, radio and e-mails and other forms of electronic communication and block them when necessary.

The Government, however, eased a ban on public gatherings imposed since Feb 1, 2005 but placed strict controls on them.