T he latest Maoist turbulence in Nepal is yet another chapter in the Himalayan kingdom's recent history of bloodshed and carnage, which began with the palace massacre in early June.
There are clear indications in the recent spate of communist insurgency that the rebels are trying to undermine Katmandu's ties with its neighbors.
When King Birendra, his queen and many members of the royalty were felled by the bullets from Crown Prince Dipendra's gun, Nepal's Maoists tried to deal a blow to the country's unique relationship with India by spreading rumors about the new King Gyanendra and threatening to target Indian residents and tourists in the kingdom.