Nepal dancers refused entry to New Zealand

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- A group of Nepalese dancers, one of the main acts at a New Zealand arts festival, has been refused entry because of fears the dancers wouldn't leave.

The 10-member troupe Himalayan Cultural Eve, one of the main draws to Wellington's Fringe Arts Festival, had been scheduled to perform Friday and for six additional shows.

Festival organizers discovered Thursday the group had been refused entry visas from New Zealand's high commission in New Delhi, the Wellington Dominion Post reported Saturday.

Nepal has declared a state of emergency and last week the king dismissed his government and shut down the main communication networks.