Rebels are increasing their use of terror, while continuing to take a beating from large army patrols that are finding and destroying rebel camps. The king is playing up, in the media, his role in protecting the country from Maoist chaos. This is having an impact inside, and outside, the country. Neighbors like India are more inclined to support the autocratic king, and the rebels are coming across as stiff-necked terrorists who ruthlessly kill to get their way.