Security forces on high alert over fears of civil unrest

Nepalese security forces went on high alert for possible civil unrest on 4 May 2009 amid a growing political crisis between the nation's military and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's (Prachanda) administration. Prachanda announced on 3 May that he had ordered army chief Rookmangud Katawal to step down from office for failing to carry out orders from Nepal's Maoist government.