Soldiers Deployed to Crush Rebel Uprising

Nepal deployed its army to crush Maoist guerrillas after more than 80 people were killed in a rebel raid in the eastern district of Soluhumbu, where Mount Everest is.

King Gyanendra also declared a state of emergency, announced curbs on freedom of movement and expression, and gave authorities powers of detention and search, state radio said.

Gyanendra, who became king in June after a palace massacre by the crown prince, mobilized the army on the advice of the government.

It was the first time the army has been ordered in against the rebels since Nepal adopted a constitutional monarchy in 1990. Until now, Nepal has mainly used police to fight the five-year rebellion.