New Zealanders warned of dangers in unstable Nepal

New Zealand authorities have warned travellers to Nepal to be on high alert, after violent episodes in the war-torn country over the last few days.

Twelve Maoist rebels and two policemen were killed in Nepal when guerrillas stepped up attacks after calling off a seven-month truce and walking out of peace talks.

Yesterday Nepal's main political parties defied a government ban on demonstrations and went ahead with a rally to try and force King Gyanendra to sack the prime minister and appoint a new government.

About 400 supporters of the five main political parties were detained after the demonstrations in the capital Kathmandu. Authorities claimed the ban on demonstrations was aimed at maintaining law and order in the country where nearly 7300 people have been killed in a seven-year revolt by Maoist rebels.

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mfat) reviewed its travel warning to Nepal today, and advised travellers to be very wary.

"New Zealanders in Nepal should maintain a very high level of personal security awareness at all times and avoid large gatherings and demonstrations," Mfat said.

Incidents of violence in Nepal, including Kathmandu, meant the situation in that country was "very volatile".

"As a result the overall security situation, remains uncertain and New Zealanders in Nepal should continue to exercise a very high level of security awareness at all times," Mfat said.

"New Zealanders should closely monitor developments that might affect their safety, as there remains a risk that the security situation could further deteriorate suddenly."

Travellers were advised to avoid trekking in areas other than the region above Lukla in the Sagarmatha National Park, where there had been no reported incidents of violence.

They should also not trek alone or at night. New Zealanders in Nepal were encouraged to record their details with the New Zealand Consulate in Kathmandu.

Travellers to or resident in Nepal should also have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies that included provision for medical evacuation by air within Nepal, Mfat said.

- NZPA