Ref. 75967-20MELINDA Messenger's kid brother has been caught up in the unrest gripping Nepal.

Paragliding champion Jamie, 27, the brother of the former supermodel and TV presenter is in the Himalayas teaching Ghurkhas the extreme sport as part of morale-boosting adventure training.

Dad Terry who has just returned from watching his son blitz the Nepal Open Paragliding Championships, said the country is reeling from last week's shock sacking of the Government.

King Gyandendra has imposed emergency rule and dozens of opposition leaders have been detained or put under house arrest.

World leaders have decried the king's power grab as a setback for democracy.

In a show of force, the new royal government yesterday banned all criticism of security forces as they fight a Communist insurgency in rural areas.

Violators are warned that they face arrest.

Officials also banned political activities by public servants and said authorities could seize private property when necessary as part of tight new controls.

A statement broadcast through State-run media said people must learn to conform.

Residents may hold workshops, meetings and conferences only with permission and "without undermining the kingdom's sovereignty and integrity, and without disturbing the law and order of the country that could have adverse effect on the current state of emergency," the notice said.

Speaking on Jamie's behalf, Mr Messenger said: "The country is going through a major internal change and it's very chaotic over there.

"It's a big problem and news channels were out for a few days.

"All communications are down and I can't get hold of Jamie.

"The day before I flew out all flights were grounded.

"Although I know Melinda will be worried about him, he'll be okay. It's not in anyone's interest to harm holidaymakers."

Jamie is fast making a name for himself as a skilled paraglider.

Last summer he came second in the Indian Open championships one of the sport's key tournaments.

Melinda says she once joined Jamie on a paragliding flight in Bavaria.

Describing it has the most amazing thing she has ever done, the celebrity mum said: "I was really surprised at how being 4,000ft up you have no concept of speed."

Jamie is currently looking for sponsorship.

Any firms interested are asked to call Terry on 01793 496081.

Kevin Shoesmith