"Democracy was blamed for all the corruption and everything," laments journalist Prateek Pradhan. "Certain powerbrokers are trying to root it out from this country." While the King traditionally receives strong support, people don't trust politicians. Caught in the crossfire between the Maoists and the government, they look to the king to bring peace. Since the Maoist uprising began, more than 11,000 have been killed. The army controls the cities and major roads and the Maoists the countryside. The army claims to have the upper hand but it lacks the strength to crush them completely.