Time ‘running out’ for Nepal’s absolute ruler

THOUSANDS of people roaring “Down with the monarchy” demonstrated, while state employees were arrested for the first time in the two-week wave of anti-royal protests shaking Nepal.

The demonstration came as Karan Singh, India's new special envoy to Nepal, warned unrest was "spinning out of control" on the eve of his departure for Kathmandu for talks with King Gyanendra and political party leaders.

Diplomats said time was running out for the monarch.

"We could see him toppled if he doesn't do something in the next few weeks or days," said one, "I am afraid we are moving into a revolutionary situation."

On Thursday, Nepal's political parties have called for mass rallies, vowing to bring hundreds of thousands of people out on the streets.

The king held talks with the US, Chinese and Indian ambassadors on Sunday, and indicated that he could meet some of the protesters' demands. Diplomats, however, said they knew of no specifics.

"He has to hand over power to the political parties," the diplomat said. "And if he does not, it's not looking good."

Although the powerful army remains loyal to the king, protests are spreading from the street to the civil service. Home Ministry officials held a demonstration at their offices on Tuesday and about a dozen were arrested, witnesses said.