The arrest on Wednesday of the editor and publisher of Nepal's biggest-selling newspaper after they carried an article by a Maoist leader suggested early signs of paranoia. Authorities say they could face sedition or treason charges. In some ways, it would be better if that's what happened. But how soon the government and the new king can move to get the country back to normal remains to be seen. A combination of curfews and the mourning period announced for the slain royals has brought business to a standstill.
All government departments, all banks and most shops are closed.
Black market rates for foreign currency are creeping up, and the number of touts per tourist soaring. Actually, it doesn't really matter what happened, we just need to be normal again. Copyright 2001 Reuters News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.