Nepal's royal government has ordered journalists not to print any news that could encourage communist rebels and threatened to punish anyone who violates the directive.

State radio says editors are only allowed to publish information provided by the security forces.

Nepal's King Gyanendra seized power at the beginning of February saying he was forced to act because of the long-running Maoist insurgency. He dismissed the cabinet and imposed emergency rule.

His government suspended freedom of the press and expression immediately after he took power and barred journalists from criticizing government actions.

The Maoists have been fighting since 1996 to overthrow the monarchy and establish a communist state. The insurgency has claimed more than 10,000 lives.