In pictures: Crisis in Nepal

1 of 5 Nepal's King Gyanendra has sacked the government and placed the prime minister under house arrest.

2 of 5 There is tension on the streets after the king declared a national state of emergency.

3 of 5 Nepal has suffered years of political turmoil, exacerbated by a nine-year war with Maoist insurgents.

4 of 5 Phone lines in Kathmandu have been cut, leaving the capital's residents in a state of uncertainty.

5 of 5 King Gyanendra said he will appoint his own cabinet and restore democracy within three years.